Possible Amelia Earhart Plane Wreckage on Nikumaroro Likely Trees, Researchers Say
A suspected object reconsidered
Images of the Taraia Object in a lagoon on Nikumaroro prompted questions about whether it could be the remains of a small aircraft in shallow water. The object was visible in photographs dating to 1938, Purdue University said.
Earhart’s disappearance
Earhart disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 while piloting her Electra. Her plane vanished during the third-to-last leg of her planned flight around the world. Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, intended to travel toward Hawaii before returning to California. One theory holds that she unintentionally reached Nikumaroro, ditched the plane and died there as a castaway.
The search continues
A researcher said the island continues to keep its secrets and expressed confidence that someone may eventually find conclusive evidence there. The statement did not resolve what happened to Earhart or her aircraft.
The Taraia Object’s likely identification as trees means it does not provide confirmation that the plane came to rest at Nikumaroro. The island remains part of a continuing search for answers.
Key points
- Purdue University says the Taraia Object is likely large trees washed onto Nikumaroro’s sandspit.
- The object appeared in photographs dating back to 1938.
- Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan disappeared in 1937 during her attempt to fly around the world.
- One theory says Earhart reached Nikumaroro, ditched her plane and died as a castaway.