  The radioactive decay properties of $^{242}$Es were studied with
significantly improved statistics compared to available literature data. This
isotope was produced in the 3n evaporation channel of the fusion reaction of
$^{48}$Ca+$^{197}$Au. A half-life of 16.9(8)~s was deduced from 662 $\alpha$
decays of $^{242}$Es, resulting in an $\alpha$-decay branching of 41(3)\%.
Twenty-six fission events with a half-life of 18.2$^{+4.5}_{-3.0}$~s were
assigned to originate from the electron-capture delayed fission of $^{242}$Es.
The probability for the electron-capture delayed fission was measured to be
0.015(4), which improves and resolves ambiguities in available experimental
data. We discuss all known cases for electron-capture delayed fission in Es,
Bk, and Am isotopes and compare experimental data with predictions from a
recent semi-empirical model. A cross section of 27(3)~nb was measured for the
production of $^{242}$Es.
