Musick and his crew of six died in the crash of the S-42 '' Samoan Clipper '' near Pago Pago , American Samoa , on a cargo and survey flight to Auckland , New Zealand . About one hour after take-off the aircraft reported an engine oil leak and Musick turned back toward Pago Pago . After the crew reported they were dumping fuel in preparation for a precautionary landing , an explosion tore the aircraft apart in flight . Pan American stated at the time that the fuel dump valves underneath the wings likely vented vaporized fuel near the engines ' exhaust ports , causing the explosion and loss of the flying boat . Floating wreckage from the plane was later found about 14 miles northwest of Pago Pago by the U.S. naval seaplane tender . The bodies of the seven crewmen were not recovered
Samoan Clipper
Samoan Clipper
Ed Musick