What happened
While operating a Piper Aerostar 602P on a cross-country mission, the pilot attempted to configure the aircraft for landing approximately 8 miles north of the destination. While waiting for the airspeed to decrease to a safe level for flap extension, the aircraft began experiencing significant power fluctuations and instability. The pilot observed the right engine exhibiting irregular performance, characterized by sputtering and popping, which led to the decision to shut down and feather that engine. After declaring an emergency, the pilot observed the left engine also losing power and failing to maintain necessary altitude and airspeed.
Unable to continue flight, the pilot executed a forced landing into a flat, muddy wheat field located roughly 4 nautical miles from the airport. The impact resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Findings
An investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed that there was no fuel present in the aircraft's three intact tanks or within the engine fuel lines at the time of the accident. Although the pilot had activated the low fuel warning light during preflight and twice during the flight without receiving any alerts, the pilot later confirmed that the aircraft had run out of fuel during the flight. Post-accident testing of the low fuel warning system on a similar model showed the system was functioning correctly, suggesting the lack of warning was not due to a mechanical failure of the indicator.