Sikorsky S-42 Flying Clipper- The “Samoa Clipper" on a PAA S-42 survey flight exploded

Musick was unfortunately killed, along with his crew, in a PAA S-42 survey flight as the plane was leaving Pago Pago, Samoa.

The plane exploded after having to return to Pago Pago harbor to make an emergency landing. A subsequent investigation lead to the conclusion of fuel vapor being ignited from the electric motor that powered the landing flaps. The "Samoa Clipper", to

extend its operational range, had been

outfitted with huge interior gas tanks, and this also made the S-42 seaplane into a bomb.

HawaiiN .Com

The S-42 in Hawaii. S-42 Flying Clipper and Amphibious Seaplane. The S-42 Pioneers. Musick was unfortunately killed, along with his crew, in a PAA S-42 survey flight as the plane was leaving Pago Pago, Samoa. The plane exploded after having to return to Pago Pago harbor to make an emergency landing. A subsequent investigation lead to the conclusion of fuel vapor being ignited from the electric motor that powered the landing flaps. The "Samoa Clipper", to extend its operational range, had been outfitted with huge interior gas tanks, and this also made the S-42 seaplane into a bomb .