From Fox News · Andrea Margolis · · 1m
Amelia Earhart search faces setback
Purdue researchers find no evidence of Earhart's plane on Nikumaroro island.
In brief
Purdue researchers find no evidence of Earhart's plane on Nikumaroro island. Purdue University researchers found no conclusive evidence of Amelia Earhart's aircraft on Nikumaroro island after searching for the Taraia Object. Originally reported by Fox News.
Purdue researchers search for plane
Purdue University researchers used side-scan sonar and satellite imagery to search for Amelia Earhart's 1937 aircraft in a South Pacific lagoon.
No conclusive evidence found
Researchers found no conclusive evidence supporting the Taraia Object hypothesis that wreckage lay on Nikumaroro island.
Taraia Object explained
The Taraia Object was likely a collection of large trees deposited along the peninsula’s sandspit, not aircraft wreckage.
Debris fragmented
By the time researchers arrived, most debris had fragmented and washed away, leaving only a single Y-shaped segment.
Reflective coating found
The debris had a reflective surface caused by a carbonate veneer, making it appear metallic.
Team remains hopeful
Rick Pettigrew, leader of the expedition, said the team remains in great spirits and proud of what was accomplished.
What it means
Purdue University researchers found no conclusive evidence of Amelia Earhart's aircraft on Nikumaroro island after searching for the Taraia Object.
