The U.S. National Archives has released 4,624 pages of government documents related to the mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhart, one of aviation’s most enduring mysteries. Among the newly unsealed records are her last confirmed radio transmission and credible distress signals from the Gardner Island area, which have fueled speculation for decades. The extensive files also include detailed search reports from the U.S. Navy, flight logs, maps, and performance data from her Lockheed Electra. These documents provide rare insights into the 1937 search efforts and the calculations that led to the conclusion that Earhart may have landed on Howland Island. The collection also highlights the role of Earhart’s husband, George Putnam, as both her manager and a key communication point during the mission, as well as the Navy’s logistical support for her planned world flight. Additional materials reveal Japan’s diplomatic response, reflecting the international interest and concern over the tragedy.
Earhart’s last confirmed radio transmission was reaffirmed in the report at 1912 GMT near 157° east longitude, 337° south latitude. The U.S. Navy report details a 16-day search covering nearly 250,000 square miles of the Pacific, with PBY-1 seaplanes searching a 25,000-square-mile area daily. Four distinct areas were noted as potential landing sites, including Gardner Island (Nikumaroro), where signs of habitation or fire marks were noted. The search for her missing plane, which was initially scheduled to resume in 2024, was delayed due to permit issues and hurricane season concerns. The Navy’s report also reaffirmed that no confirmed aircraft debris was found within the search radius.
A memo dated Nov. 18, 1936, reveals the Navy’s request to assist in refueling Earhart’s airplane at Midway Island ahead of her planned world flight in 1937. The document highlights the Navy’s logistical involvement, though it was not funding the mission. The archives also include a translated diplomatic letter from Japan, expressing condolences and offering assistance from its ships and stations near the Marshall Islands, where the suspected accident occurred. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the release of the Earhart documents on X, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to fully declassify all related files and provide the public with the complete story of Earhart’s disappearance.
The release of these documents aligns with President Donald Trump’s earlier promise to declassify all files related to Earhart’s case, which had been the subject of widespread public curiosity for nearly nine decades. As agencies continue to identify and release additional files, the archives plan to do so on a rolling basis. The documents offer a unique historical perspective on one of aviation’s most iconic figures and the enduring mystery that has captivated researchers and the public alike.