Sikorsky S-42

Pan American World Airways - PAA

At about 1318LT, the pilot taxied to the take-off position. The weather was clear and the ceiling unlimited with a wind estimated to be 20 knots from approximately 100 degree. The water was choppy with no ground swells. With a gradual opening of the throttles to 33 1/2 inches of manifold pressure, the plane appeared to go on the step normally and was making approximately 75 knots. The captain then requested an increase in manifold pressure from 33 1/2 inches to 35 inches and upon attaining a speed estimated as between 78 and 80 knots, the plane left the surface of the water. Captain Williams stated that as the plane rose into the air to a height of 10 or 12 feet, he relaxed back pressure slightly, in order to gain speed, whereupon the plane seemed to want to go back on the water so he pulled back on the yoke. When it became obvious to him that the plane was going to go back on the water anyway, he dropped the nose quickly to "flatten out." After striking, bow first, the plane left the water in a slightly nose-high attitude, rose higher than previously, then returned to the water at a much steeper angle. The third time, the plane rose out of control to a height of approximately 25 feet, and in a steeper angle of climb than previously. It then nosed down at a sharp angle and struck the water violently. The nose of the plane struck the water with such force as to cause the hull to fracture and completely separate at a point just aft of the pilot's compartment. The after portion of the plane, which included passenger compartments A, B, C, and D, pitched forward and came to rest in a nearly inverted position with the forward portion fully submerged. Seventeen passengers were killed while all 14 other occupants were rescued.

Pan American World Airways - PAA

The seaplane christened 'Bermuda Clipper' was fully loaded with passengers and crew, ready for departure from Manaus. A fire developed in the carburetor of the No. 1 engine. The pilot directed the flight mechanic to pull the fire extinguisher handle. The mechanic pulled the fuel dump handle by mistake. Flaming gas fell from the carburetor onto the gas on the water, igniting it, and causing the loss of the plane. Source: http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19430727-0

Pan American World Airways - PAA

Following an uneventful flight, the crew completed the approach to the San Juan harbor in good weather conditions. Upon landing on water in a nose down attitude, the seaplane plunged into the water and came to rest. Two passengers were killed while all 25 other occupants were rescued. Crew: Charles A. Lorber, pilot, Harvey E. Breaux, copilot, John Donovan Donnelley, flight engineer, W. P. Mahoney, radio navigator, Joe Catala, steward, A. E. Calligari, steward. Source & photos: http://www.webstart.com/jed/house/NC15376/

Pan American World Airways - PAA

The crew was performing a mail flight from Oakland, California, to Auckland, New Zealand, with intermediate stops in Honolulu, Kingman Reef and Pago Pago. One hour after his departure from Pago Pago, in the early hours, crew encountered technical problems and was forced to dump the fuel. The seaplane aircraft exploded and crashed into the sea some 120 km south of Pago Pago. Some debris were found few hours later and all seven occupants were killed, among them Captain Edwin C. Musick, first official Captain by Pan Am. The aircraft was christened 'Samoan Clipper'.

Pan American World Airways - PAA

After takeoff from the harbor of Port of Spain, while climbing by night, captain saw a boat and made a sharp turn to avoid the collision. Nevertheless, the right pontoon hit the boat and the aircraft stalled before crashing into the bay. A crew and two passengers were drowned while all 22 other occupants were rescued. The aircraft christened 'Antilles Clipper' was lost. It was night at the time of the accident so the visibility was poor. Crew distinguished the boat to late and the avoiding manoeuvre was to late as well.

Pan American World Airways - PAA

On landing in the harbor of Port of Spain, Trinidad Island, the seaplane aircraft went out of control and sunk rapidly. At least three passengers were killed.