LT3090 effects of exceeding minimum input voltage

Hi.  I just curve traced the LT3090 demonstration circuit DC1948A from GND to VIN with /SHDN=GND and SET shorted to GND and I could see something breaking down at just over 50V.  My guess is that VIN to SET is breaking down, since the abs. max. for that is only 36V.  In other words, 50VIN on the LT3090 is too high according to the datasheet and my curve trace test.

Can you use the reference design I show below from the LT3090 datasheet - Floating 3-Terminal Regulator (for Arbitrarily High Voltage Applications)?

Thank you for the quick response - I will review the floating configuration that you have suggested, and knowing that there is some margin from the -40V rating to when breakdown actually starts will help a lot for evaluating potential failure modes of the design.