The U.S. National Archives announced on Friday the release of 4,624 pages of previously classified government records related to the 1937 disappearance of famed American aviator Amelia Earhart. These files, part of a broader release effort initiated by former President Donald Trump, include detailed information on Earhart’s final hours before her Lockheed Electra vanished over the Pacific. Earhart’s last confirmed radio transmission, sent on July 2, 1937, read: ‘We are on the line 157 337 wl rept msg we wl rept…’ This transmission, now fully documented, was reaffirmed by the U.S. Navy’s search report, which spanned 16 days after her last message. The documents reveal that the Navy searched an extensive area of the Pacific, covering nearly 250,000 square miles, with PBY-1 seaplanes covering a 25,000-square-mile region daily. The records also include a translated diplomatic letter from Japan, expressing condolences for the tragedy, and highlight the involvement of international cooperation in the search efforts. The release of these materials marks a significant milestone in the decades-long quest to uncover the mystery surrounding Earhart’s final flight.
Among the newly unsealed files is the U.S. Navy’s official account of the search for Earhart, which details their efforts to locate the missing aviator. The report notes that seven credible distress signals were detected between July 2 and July 6, with two of these signals originating near Gardner Island (Nikumaroro), further supporting the theory of a crash landing there. The Navy’s search efforts included extensive coverage of the Pacific, with the USS Colorado and USS Lexington playing a key role. The documents also confirm that the Navy found no confirmed aircraft debris within the search radius, emphasizing the difficulty of the search in the vast oceanic expanse. Additionally, the files provide insight into the pre-flight preparations, including the Navy’s request to assist in refueling Earhart’s aircraft ahead of her planned world flight. This request, issued in November 1936, underscores the military’s support for her mission and the recognition of the challenges she would face. The release of these records is expected to fuel further speculation and research into the mystery of Earhart’s disappearance, with historians and aviation enthusiasts continuing to analyze the details in search of definitive answers.
Earhart’s husband, George Putnam, was also included in the documents as a key figure in her expedition. As both her manager and husband, Putnam played a significant role in the planning and execution of the mission. He maintained communication with the Navy and was actively involved in coordinating logistical support. The Navy, though not funding the trip, was authorized to provide assistance, reflecting the collaborative nature of the efforts to ensure Earhart’s successful journey. The files also include notes from the Navy regarding the Lockheed Electra’s performance, which helped extend the expected flight time beyond initial estimates. This recalculated endurance, estimated at 20 hours and 13 minutes, was crucial in the Navy’s search strategy and continues to be a point of discussion among aviation historians. The release of these records is seen as a step toward resolving one of the most enduring mysteries in aviation history, offering new perspectives on the enigma of Earhart’s final flight and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
The broader context of the release is tied to the political efforts to unseal these files, with former President Donald Trump’s administration playing a pivotal role. Trump had previously promised to declassify all files related to Earhart’s disappearance, a commitment fulfilled through the release of these documents. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the release on X, stating that additional files will be made public as agencies continue their review. The release is viewed as a significant contribution to public knowledge, providing access to previously restricted information that has captivated the public for decades. As researchers and historians continue to examine the newly available materials, the hope is that these findings will bring the mystery of Amelia Earhart’s disappearance closer to resolution, offering new insights into her final hours and the events leading to her disappearance.