Incident Overview
While en route to Napa, California, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot reported that he had filled the fuel tanks two days before the incident.
Flight Sequence
The pilot flew a 20-minute flight from Corona Airport to John Wayne Airport (SNA). After departing SNA, he flew to Harris Ranch, a flight lasting approximately 2.2 hours, before continuing toward Napa. During the flight to Napa, the fuel selector was initially placed in the BOTH position. After reaching cruising altitude, the pilot selected the right fuel tank.
Fuel Consumption and Tank Switching
Approximately 1.1 hours later, while the flight was between the Navy's Crows Landing and Stockton, California, the right tank's fuel was completely consumed. The pilot then switched tanks and decided to land at Concord. However, when the aircraft was approaching Brentwood, about 0.3 hours later, the aircraft sustained total fuel exhaustion.
Note: All flight times noted are estimates based on an average ground speed of 97 knots.