Fuel Exhaustion During Non-Stop Flight to Bellingham (N6420A)

Flight Details and Incident Overview A pilot conducted a non-stop flight from Chester, California, to Bellingham, Washington. The flight lasted approximately four and one-half hours. As the aircraft approached its destination, the fuel gauges indicated that the fuel supply was nearly depleted. Despite these indications, the pilot believed there was sufficient fuel remaining to complete the descent and landing. The pilot was granted a straight-in approach to the runway. However, when the aircraft was approximately four miles from the end of the runway, the engine lost power. The pilot was subsequently forced to ditch the aircraft in the bay located underneath the final approach course. ## Post-Accident Findings A post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed that both fuel tanks had been run dry, with only a small residual amount of fuel remaining. The incident highlights the critical importance of accurate fuel management and the potential risks associated with relying on fuel gauge indications without adequate reserves.