Earhart Search Records Declassified

It has been 88 years since Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan disappeared over the South Pacific. But until now the records of the search have remained classified.

In September, President Donald Trump ordered the details of the 1937 disappearance declassified, making them available from the National Archives.

The files consist of photostats and copies of photostats of records relating to plans for the around-the-world flight, including a letter written by Earhart to President Franklin Roosevelt, where she outlines her proposed route and notes she will need to refuel over the Pacific.

Earhart was friends with the Roosevelts, in particular Eleanor, the first lady. On one occasion, the pair ducked out of a state dinner to go flying—both dressed in evening gowns. 

In the letter dated November 10, 1936, Earhart describes the airplane she has obtained through Purdue University. The purpose of the letter was to ask the president to use his influence to gain the cooperation of the U.S. Navy during her flight.

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The last “authentic” transmission for Earhart, according to the report, came at 0855: “Heading north and south.”

In the days that followed, there were reports of ham radio operators on the West Coast and as far inland as Montana picking up radio transmissions allegedly from the Lockheed Electra. Some were more credible than others—one received by the HMS Achilles 225 miles north-northwest of Howland was reported as “Putnam __ fly kite,” which was encouraging because part of the safety equipment aboard the Lockheed was a bright orange box kit with a special antenna to boost radio signals.

The radio calls were scrutinized and if found credible, search crews were sent to the area. The Lockheed company was skeptical of the reports that stated the airplane was in the water, as although the aircraft was designed to float with empty fuel tanks, provided they were not compromised, the aircraft’s normal radio power supply would not work if the airplane was in the water.

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