Cross-Country Flight Ended in Fuel Exhaustion After Multiple Missed Approaches (N8933M)

Flight Planning and Weather Information The pilot received two weather briefings before departing on a cross-country flight. The briefings included forecasted high en route winds. When filing an IFR flight plan, the pilot did not adjust the estimated time en route. Although destination weather was forecast to improve, the Flight Service Station (FSS) specialist expressed doubt about that improvement. The pilot did not request updated destination weather until nearing the arrival airport. ## Approach Attempts and Fuel Status At the destination, the pilot attempted a VOR approach despite weather being below minimum descent altitude. A missed approach followed, and the pilot proceeded to the alternate airport. While en route to the alternate, the pilot reported low fuel. An ILS approach at the alternate ended in a missed approach when the pilot reported not seeing the runway, with weather at minimums. ## Engine Failure and Accident During a second approach to the alternate, the pilot reported that one engine had quit. The second engine quit during an attempt to begin a third approach. At the accident site, four and one-half gallons of fuel were drained from the airplane.