It was a fairly long trip and I would have factored in a rest break en-route if at all possible. I have also flown in remote parts of the world on take on board previous comments. But the question remains what is it that pushes a pilot or pilots to continue when the guages and time en-route must have been a cause for concern. I would have opted to reduce the passenger load and carried some spare fuel down the back in jerry cans. It just seem to me that this is like playing Russian roulette
Here is another example closer to home.
(from the January AAIB bulletin.)
Gardan GY80-180 Horizon
Summary:
The aircraft had insufficient fuel in its main tanks for its planned flight. At 2,000 ft, approaching the intended destination, the fuel in the main tanks ran out and the engine stopped. The aircraft’s auxiliary tank contained approximately 20 minutes worth of fuel, but the pilot did not select the auxiliary tank. The pilot carried out a forced landing, but undershot his intended field and collided with a hedge. The aircraft then turned over onto its roof. The pilot and passengers were uninjured and vacated the aircraft normally.
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources...ME%2001-09.pdf