The U.S. National Archives has made public 4,624 pages of declassified government documents related to Amelia Earhart’s 1937 disappearance, shedding new light on the famed aviator’s final moments. These records include her last known radio transmission, which was sent on July 2, 1937, as she vanished over the Pacific, and detailed search efforts by the U.S. Navy. The release of these documents, which span over 16 days, is part of an ongoing effort to unravel the mystery that has persisted for nearly a century.
Earhart’s last communication, documented as ‘We are on the line 157 337 wl rept msg we wl rept,’ was reaffirmed by the Navy report, which noted the last known coordinates near 157° east longitude and 337° south latitude. According to the report, the search encompassed nearly 250,000 square miles of the Pacific, with the USS Colorado and USS Lexington playing a pivotal role in the effort. Additionally, PBY-1 seaplanes conducted daily searches over 25,000 square miles of ocean. Despite the extensive search, the Navy found no confirmed aircraft debris within the designated area, though it noted signs of possible wreckage in some locations.
Among the released documents are several potential landing sites, with Gardner Island (Nikumaroro) and McKean Reef being highlighted. The Navy report indicated that these locations showed signs of habitation or fire marks, along with unusual debris on McKean Reef and a dark object possibly identified as wreckage at Sydney Island Lagoon. Furthermore, the documents include a translated diplomatic letter from Japan, expressing condolences for the Earhart tragedy and offering assistance in finding the missing aircraft. Japan’s message emphasized the country’s commitment to aiding efforts in the Marshall Islands, where the search for the lost plane was initially centered.
The release of the Earhart files follows a broader initiative to declassify decades-old information, as promised by former President Donald Trump. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the release of these materials on X, noting that additional documents will be made available on a rolling basis as they are identified. The declassification underscores a continued public interest in uncovering the truth behind one of aviation’s most enduring mysteries. Meanwhile, Purdue University has delayed its planned expedition to Nikumaroro due to permit issues and hurricane season, though it remains committed to the search. The release of the documents has sparked renewed discussions about Earhart’s fate, with historians and aviation enthusiasts eagerly awaiting further revelations.