What happened
During a flight training session involving steep turns, visual meteorological conditions (VMC), and engine-out procedures, a certified flight instructor instructed the student to shut down the left engine for training purposes. Following several unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the instructor took command of the Piper PA-34-200.
As it became apparent that the engine would not restart, neither the instructor nor the student performed the necessary procedures to secure the engine and feather the propeller. Consequently, the aircraft was unable to maintain its altitude. The instructor issued a "mayday" call and performed an off-field landing. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
An examination of the left engine revealed that it had started and operated normally. Investigators also inspected the propeller governor and found it functioned properly. A review of the approved Aircraft Flight Manual indicated that the aircraft should have been capable of a climb rate of 190 feet per minute at sea level provided the propeller was feathered. Additionally, the Piper PA-34-200 information manual (Section VB-423) was reviewed regarding emergency procedures for feathering and fuel management during single-engine operations. No mechanical or flight control malfunctions were discovered during the examination of the aircraft.