Preflight and Battery Issues
The Piper Navajo had not been flown for approximately nine months. During preflight preparations, the pilot discovered the battery was dead. The battery was removed for charging by the fixed base operator, who also cleaned and painted the battery box. The operator noted that the battery was over three years old, and the nine-month period of non-use had rendered it unreliable, recommending replacement. The pilot chose not to replace the battery. The pilot requested that the main fuel tanks be topped off. The pilot flew the airplane for a short time.
Day of the Incident
The following day, during preflight inspection, the pilot found the battery dead again and requested an external power cart for engine start.
Inflight Engine Failure
Approximately one hour into a cross-country flight, the pilot reported that both engines quit while operating on the auxiliary fuel tanks. The pilot stated that he had no electrical power for fuel boost pumps or starters.
Emergency Landing
The airplane struck electrical power lines during the attempted emergency landing in an alfalfa field.