Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, electrical power was not available during the preflight inspection. The engines were started using a ground power unit (GPU). After the GPU was disconnected, the pilot could not restore aircraft electrical power.
Following liftoff, the pilot found it impossible to move the gear selection lever to the 'UP' position. The left engine began to surge and lose power. The pilot reduced power on the left engine, but it continued to surge. The fuel selector for the left engine was switched to the left outboard fuel tank, but the surging persisted.
Faced with these issues, the pilot elected to land straight ahead into a field of wheat stubble.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident inspection revealed fuel quantities in the inboard tanks below the unusable fuel amount specified in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). The outboard tanks contained 1-2 gallons per tank more than the POH reported unusable fuel amount. The POH notes that outboard tanks are to be utilized only during level flight.
All four fuel tanks were intact with no apparent leaks or ruptures, and there was no evidence of a fuel spill at the accident site. According to the POH, the electrical-driven fuel boost pumps are designed to operate continuously to maintain fuel pressure to other fuel pumps. The POH further states that the electrical-driven emergency fuel pumps are used during takeoff, landing, and for priming engines.
The Piper Service Manual for the PA-31-350 states that the gear selection lever cannot be moved to the gear-up position while the left main gear strut is compressed or with electrical power off.