Captain Edwin C. Musick

"Start Number One" - Edwin C. Musick Pioneer Pan American Airways Pilot

Captain Edwin C. Musick - Pioneer Pilot for Pan American Airways - Trail Blazer Across the Pacific and Harmon Trophy Winner. 1894-1938. Happy flying Ed. Wherever you are.

88 years ago today, Captain Edwin C. Musick perished along with his crew aboard the Pan American Airways Samoan Clipper after departing Pago Pago bound for Auckland New Zealand.

It was a fond memory arriving in Auckland, New Zealand after our first survey flight connecting the United States and New Zealand on March 29, 1937. Looking forward to arriving in Auckland yet again aboard the Samoan Clipper.

Pacific Division. 1936.

Happy flying Ed. Wherever you are.

At this moment 87 years ago, Captain Edwin C. Musick perished along with his crew aboard the Pan American Airways Samoan Clipper.

"We are going to dump gas and can't use the radio during the dumping. Stand by." -- Musick - Samoan Clipper

As a precaution, we are shutting down all electrical systems including our radio as we need to dump more fuel.

19 KHAUL VX NC34 Jan 11 1938 1920 PANOP PANMAIN ALL PANMAIN HNL Leslie Ramsey Taylor number 4 engine braked 1708 due to oil leak dumped gas will radio details after landing Stickrod 1923 - Samoan Clipper

Have started to dump fuel to decrease our landing weight.

Have received latest weather report Pago Pago and landing conditions at the harbor.

Have shut down number 4 engine.

"We have oil leak in the right outboard engine and are returning to Pago Pago." -- Samoan Clipper

Have determined that we need to return to Pago Pago due to oil leak in number 4 engine.

Have developed oil leak in number 4 engine.

Have departed Pago Pago Harbor at 5:37 AM bound for Auckland. Total fuel on board 41,936 lb. Have now established radio contact with Pan American radio station KABS at Pago Pago.

A Merry Christmas for the boys on Wake Island. Delivered by Pan American’s China Clipper.

Our crew and I are honored to be part of this historic first commercial crossing of the Pacific with Pan American’s Martin M-130 China Clipper. Next stop Honolulu. #ChinaClipper #PanAm #FlyPanAm

The China Clipper after arriving at Pearl Harbor on November 23, 1935 after completing the first leg of its Trans-Pacific crossing from Alameda, California. The negative was signed by Captain Musick and First Officer R.O.D. Sullivan.

Honolulu Star-Bulletin - January 12, 1938 reported the news of the loss of Pan American’s Samoan Clipper, Captain Musick and crew.