In Part 2 of our Amelia Earhart series, Bob examines one of the most controversial and fascinating theories surrounding aviation's greatest mystery.

Last week, former Smithsonian curator Dorothy Cochrane argued that Amelia Earhart likely crashed into the Pacific Ocean after failing to locate tiny Howland Island. This week, Earhart expert Ric Gillespie, shares his theory. 

Drawing on decades of research, radio logs, navigation records, and expeditions to the remote Pacific island of Nikumaroro, he argues that Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan may have successfully landed after becoming lost—and that Earhart may have survived for weeks as a castaway.

In this episode:

• The communication failures that doomed the flight
• Why Earhart may never have found Howland Island
• The mysterious radio signals reported after her disappearance
• Evidence linking Earhart to Nikumaroro Island
• Why researchers still debate what happened in July 1937

Nearly ninety years later, the disappearance of Amelia Earhart remains one of history's most enduring mysteries. Could the answer have been hiding in plain sight all along?

Listen now and decide for yourself.

In Part 2 of our Amelia Earhart series, Bob examines one of the most controversial and fascinating theories surrounding aviation's greatest mystery.
Last week, former Smithsonian curator Dorothy Cochrane argued that Amelia Earhart likely crashed into the Pacific Ocean after failing to locate tiny Howland Island. This week, Earhart expert&nbsp;Ric Gillespie, shares his theory.&nbsp;
Drawing on decades of research, radio logs, navigation records, and expeditions to the remote Pacific island of Nikumaroro, he argues that Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan may have successfully landed after becoming lost&mdash;and that Earhart may have survived for weeks as a castaway.
In this episode:
&bull; The communication failures that doomed the flight &bull; Why Earhart may never have found Howland Island &bull; The mysterious radio signals reported after her disappearance &bull; Evidence linking Earhart to Nikumaroro Island &bull; Why researchers still debate what happened in July 1937
Nearly ninety years later, the disappearance of Amelia Earhart remains one of history's most enduring mysteries. Could the answer have been hiding in plain sight all along?
Listen now and decide for yourself.

Bob Crawford searches for the best historians and experts to answer listener questions about American history — from the Revolutionary War to rock & roll feuds. Got a question? Send it to AmericanHistoryHotline@gmail.com.

Bob Crawford searches for the best historians and experts to answer listener questions about American history &mdash; from the Revolutionary War to rock &amp; roll feuds. Got a question? Send it to AmericanHistoryHotline@gmail.com.

American History Hotline

American History Hotline with Bob Crawford

Did Amelia Earhart survive her disappearance? (Part 2)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/caa25ddc-2cf6-479e-a9ae-b47301033d9c/transcript