Index: /issm/trunk-jpl/src/c/classes/Elements/Penta.cpp
===================================================================
--- /issm/trunk-jpl/src/c/classes/Elements/Penta.cpp	(revision 15744)
+++ /issm/trunk-jpl/src/c/classes/Elements/Penta.cpp	(revision 15745)
@@ -7899,4 +7899,7 @@
 	GaussPenta *gauss    = NULL;
 
+	/*Initialize Element matrix and return if necessary*/
+	if(IsFloating() || !IsOnBed()) return NULL;
+
 	/*If on water or not FS, skip stiffness: */
 	inputs->GetInputValue(&approximation,ApproximationEnum);