Pilot Runs Out of Fuel After Overflying Airports (N6900Q)

What happened

The pilot initiated a flight with an estimated 13 gallons of fuel on board, anticipating a duration of approximately fifty minutes. Based on a calculated fuel consumption rate of nine gallons per hour, the aircraft possessed an endurance of one hour and twenty-five minutes from the moment the engine started. However, the pilot failed to utilize suitable intermediate airports that were available for landing and refueling. Instead, he continued flying past these opportunities until the fuel supply was completely depleted exactly one hour and twenty-five minutes after engine start.

Safety message

Following the incident, the pilot identified several critical errors in judgment and planning. He emphasized the need to curb the urge to rush during flight operations. Key recommendations included factoring in wind speed effects on ground speed and fuel burn, carrying a mandatory 45-minute reserve, and trusting instincts to land when uncertain about continuing the mission. He also advised reviewing applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) to ensure compliance with safety standards.