Lockheed Electra 10E NR16020
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The image above shows Amelia Earhart’s Electra 10E (source: Wikipedia Commons) layered over a Google Earth view of part of the Pacific. The piece below is by Justin Myers. He contacted me recently about some Google Earth images he had saved in 2022. Justin needed somewhere to tell his story and I was happy to help. Ian DB, March 2023
One evening in mid-September 2022 I watched a programme on TV about Nikumaroro Island, which was once called Gardner Island, and the possibility that Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan had crash landed somewhere on the island and maybe survived a period of time, no doubt waiting for a rescue.
Despite working in aviation all my life and having flown planes of many sizes worldwide, I didn’t really know the full story of how the mystery unfolded. I was aware of Amelia Earhart but it was far from a big interest. I have however, had an interest in vintage aircraft all my life and have spent much time looking at wreckage and reading stories about them. I also like shipwrecks too and the stories they can tell.
I got up the morning after watching the documentary, dressing gown on, yawning away as my 4 year old at the time had got me up. I made a cup of coffee and sat down at the unit in my kitchen. I suddenly thought I will have a look at this Nikumaroro Island on Google Maps.
Image above shows the entrance to Nikumaroro’s lagoon, source Wikipedia
Image above source NW News Network
It is a tiny atoll as you will see in the South Pacific, very isolated and a long way off Howland Island where Amelia and Fred were destined for. There will be a handful of reasons as to why they did not make Howland island and it probably started the night before their journey in Lae. Poor sleep, upper wind predictions not being accurate, probably fatigue and some anxiety would likely have played a part in the disappearance.
As a pilot, I thought to myself, if I was in Amelia’s position trying to find a needle in a hay stack low on fuel and to be honest if we were in her position no doubt using some choice language, where would I force land my Lockheed Electra 10E?
Below: Amelia Earhart and her Lockheed Electra 10E, source Wikipedia commons.
I picked an area which would probably have been what I thought to be best considering the circumstances. I zoomed in and there was a long sandy looking shape. I was not looking for the plane because that would be ridiculous, I thought. Anyway, I measured the sandy section which was over 50ft long, looked up the specifications of the Electra and that measured 39ft. I laughed and thought ‘What do you think you are doing?’
However, to the left of the sandy section that had been eroded by the weather over many years was a dark coloured perfectly straight object. I used the measuring tool on Google Earth and to my surprise and mild little shiver it measured approximately 39 ft.
Last year you could move around the subject and it was absolutely clear to me this was a man-made object, not naturally occurring coral. I used to dive some years back and have seen lots of coral and the wrecks of man-made objects. It was clear that it had been there a long time and likely that passing weather systems had revealed it.
Well, being a realist and a practical person, I thought it can’t be what was a beautiful aircraft. So I tried to disprove the notion myself. I struggled to do so. It looked man-made, it looked like a section of aircraft fuselage, that was remarkable by itself, let alone the possibility it was Electra 10E NR16020, even though the measurements looked the same.
A day or so later I had another look, just like that Bang!! 110ft to the west of the metal section was what appeared to be a perfect half exposed radial engine measuring 4-4.5ft in diameter, clearly had growth around the diameter and on the spinner in the middle, probably coral as the engine is made of different metals to the fuselage.
Just under the engine is a wheel, again half exposed, the wheel is perfect and is in absolute proportion in size; I was struggling to see this was anything other than the debris of a lost vintage aircraft that has been hidden away for years.
Image sources above unknown
Later, and after much looking and discussion with a few of my pilot friends from when I was flying for a major carrier in the Middle East, I noticed what looked like part of the exhaust system. Perfectly sized exactly between the engine and what looked like a fuselage.
Image below is from a cutaway diagram of an Electra Model 12 Junior
I didn’t know really where to go with this, so I wrote to the NTSB in the US and they emailed me back saying it was not there jurisdiction it was the ATSB, Australian Transport Safety Bureau. So, I filed an official report with the air crash investigation team in Brisbane.
At the end of the day, Nikumaroro is an isolated position and very expensive to go to. Over the years there have been expeditions and as you can see from reading the National Geographic article (link below) evidence that has been found to suggest it is likely that this is where Amelia and Fred sadly ended their lives.
It would be very bold of me to say the objects in these Google Earth images are the remains of Amelia Earhart’s Electra 10E. All I am saying is that these objects look like unfound plane wreckage, which strangely looks and measures the same as her aircraft.
The colour is perfect for an old plane that has been in the salt water for all them years. The type of corrosion you would expect from old aluminium. The sun is shining revealing its clear shape.
The plane is facing towards the east and the sequence of parts that has come off says the plane approached from the west, probably from the north-west.
For those who are interested in looking on Google Maps, here are the positions of the debris:
Fuselage (-4.6708008, -174.5412182)
Engine/Wheel (-4.6710688, -174.5413395)
Exhaust (-4.6709545, -174.5412963)
A weather system has since passed through Nikumaroro Island and covered I would say about 95% of the debris field. However, you can just see a tiny bit of the fuselage if you look.
This aircraft has a story to tell.
Thank you for reading.
Justin Myers
PAGE UPDATED 27 JANUARY 2025
In conversation with Justin recently, he referred to the account on a website of an organisation called The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) of a woman called Emily Sikuli who was on the island of Nikumaroro apparently between early 1940 and late 1941. She allegedly saw the wreck of an aircraft, near the wreck of SS Norwich City.
Justin also pointed out on that page that TIGHAR members visiting the island had, between 1989 and 1996 found items which appeared to be aircraft remains at precisely the same place Justin saw the aircraft debris on Google Earth in October 2022.
It is remarkable how close to what Justin saw on Google Earth the reported finds of TIGHAR are.
I asked Justin if it was seeing the map on that website which made him look at that bit of reef? “No,” he said, “as a pilot, I looked at the Google Earth map and imagined where would I try and land a plane if in a desperate situation, running low on fuel. I zoomed in on that part of the island. I only recently came across the page about Emily Sikuli. I was amazed that what was found by the research team visiting the island back in the 80s and 90s was so close to my observations.”
The area where Emily Sikuli reported seeing the wreck was just beyond the wreck of SS Norwich City which is north of the Tatiman Passage, and where Justin imagined Earhart and Noonan would try to land was the other side of the passage which was where he took his screenshots back in 2022.
I was surprised to hear of some hostility he had received, simply for adding his own account and thoughts. “People don’t like their theories being challenged,” Justin said with a shrug.
Justin brought the conversation back to it being speculation that the finds on Nikumaroro are from Electra NR16020. “It could be the whole theory is wrong, but what I saw was aircraft parts. I am certain of that. But as to the identity of the aircraft, I don’t know.”
Where the hell did you start with this epic find Justin. Excellent sleuthing and your eagle eye shaved hopefully picked up a truely remarkable and historical find. You’ve surely done a lot of homework in this. I wish you luck sir in finding the relevant help in your quest for answers to the age old question of what actually happened to Amelia Earhart and he navigator on that fateful day. All the best
Thank you Tim on your kind words. Ian has done a magnificent job of setting this up for me. I hope all who read enjoy the article. Much appreciated.
Very interesting, well written and researched. I will enjoy reading further updates.
Thanks Scott, appreciated
Wow Justin – just… wow! It makes astonishing reading. I really hope someone who reads this is in a position to actually make the trip and find out for you. Incredible and I can’t wait to find out if you’re right.
Appreciated Julie, there are a handful of theories surrounding this mystery. I am not saying I am correct . However, I have an obligation to highlight what has exposed itself.
That’s really very interesting Justin. I hope that your find gets fully investigated.
Good luck.
Thanks Howard, appreciated!
Lat -4.660902° Long -174.544876°
Lat -4.660996° Long -174.544214°
two very round objects in the vicinity too.
Hi EC,
Ultimately we can’t say for sure. However being in front of the SS Norwich wreck the objects maybe from that.
I understand an expedition is being planned for later in the year and no doubt this area amongst others will be explored.
Appreciated.
Justin
Hi Justin, there is a Purdue team heading there later this year. Are you confident they will search the area you discovered? The images circulating in the press they plan to investigate appears to be a different part of the island.
Greetings Justin.
I too was a professional pilot (RAF) and I too would have tried to put a light twin down in that area.
Your research and efforts have been magnificent but I am not surprised that you received little response from some quarters.
Who is planning the expedition?
Aye,
David Webb
RAF (ret’d)
A wonderful and very interesting investigation of this site you discovered Justin, if this is ‘Amelia’s’ plane wreckage (and I really hope it is) I wish yourself and any future expedition the best of luck, and perhaps there may be the remains of Amelia and navigator Mr Noonan to finally return home. Frank, Prestwick, Scotland.
Hi Frank,
Thank you very much for your kind words.
Have a great day!
Kind Regards,
Justin
Hi David,
Thank you for your response it’s appreciated.
As far as I know the expedition is being put together bye Purdue University. As to whom is conducting the expedition I’m not sure.
According to the media it’s going ahead at some point later this year.
Maybe this article may bring some clarity as to the plans ahead.
Have a great day.
Kind Regards,
Justin
Well Done Justin,
Interesting reading.
Hope you get an invite for the expedition…
Thanks Colin. I think Justin is at work just now (i.e flying). I hope the next expedition properly searches the reef he has identified.
Ian
Hi Colin,
Thank you, I hope you are well!
Cheers,
Justin
Hi Justin
Very interesting reading your account but seems a little strange that someone in America hasn’t picked up the ‘torch’ to fund a visit to this place with equipment and divers to investigate it first hand? Names spring to mind like Elon Musk for one and invariably, Donald Trump for the other, whom I would assume, (given all of his other claims of successful achievements) would claim this one too!!
You would think too, with the interest shown since Emelia’s disappearance some 88 years ago (or so) that people would be eager to find out if this is or was her final resting place.
I hope that you are correct and it turns out to be true.
Hi Phil,
Thank you for your message.
You would certainly think so. I guess we will see in the near future.
Appreciated.
Kind regards,
Justin
Hello. Archaeology Legacy Institute is going in November to see if the Taraia Object is Amelia Earhart’s plane on Nikumaroro Island. TIGHAR has gone some 12 times as well in the past.
Hi Archaeological Legacy Institute, thank you for your message. I saw you were off to Niku in November to look at the Taraia Object. Did you look at what the object may be if not an airplane? Best wishes, Justin
Hi Justin,
I really hope it is Amelia’s plane. I have always been very interested in Amelia, and what she achieved.
Hope the expedition planned finds the wreckage and vindicates your theory.
I will be very interested in the outcome.
Kindest regards,
Alison
Hi Alison,
Thank you .
I will certainly keep this article updated with any progress.
Much appreciated!
Justin
Hi Justin,
This is a very compelling case and you certainly have put the pieces together well.
do you know how much a simple expedition would cost?
It might be worth looking at crowdfunding and as there are folks living and sailing around that area (sort of) contacting them may prove fruitful as they are the type to be happy to take part in an adventure!
If you do come up with a plan and some costings, let us all know.
Thanks
Simon.
Hi Simon,
Thank you for your message.
To be totally honest I don’t know how much an expedition would cost. There is a bit of red tape surrounding the area which no doubt isn’t a surprise to you.
Another issue is the debris is buried, so the correct team and equipment would be essential to identifying the pieces.
I will certainly keep you all updated on any progress.
Much appreciated,
Justin
Popular Mechanics – Product Reviews, How-To, Space, Military, Math, Science, and New Technology https://www.popularmechanics.com/
It’s a terrific piece Justin.
You need to contact Josh Gates from expedition unknown. I watch him look for it once maybe he’d go back with this info.
Hi Angie,
Thank you for this.
I will look into it.
Kind regards,
Justin
Hi Angie,
I have written to Josh Gates.
It’s a long shot I’m sure.
Much appreciated!
Regards,
Justin
This is cool Justin.
You been looking at latest satellite images?
Check out this object:
-4.6703139, -174.5430075
Hi Chris,
I’ll have a look.
Much appreciated!
Justin
I decided to do what you did with google. Sometimes, I can see things others cannot. I have some photos off shore of the area she may have tried to land on. I can send you the photos if you like. Thanks for all your work. It would really be great to see this mystery solved.
Interesting. It makes sense that Earhart would have landed there. It is not very far from the wreck of the Norwich City. One radio message porported to be from Earhart, there was a direct mention of Norwich City. If they had seen the wreck from the air (and this was only a few years after the Norwich City ran aground in 1929) they might have mistaken it for an area where they could get help. I am glad you spotted these items. This is a mystery way past due on a solution.
Hi Roger,
Absolutely, it would certainly make sense.
Thank you.
Justin
Hi Suzanne,
Thank you for your message.
If you wish to send your photos please do through aircrashsites
Have a great day.
Justin
Wow Justin very exciting and impressive! I was looking over google earth to see the spots myself and while tooling around that Island I found an interesting object to the southwest in the interior part of the island 4°41’10″S 174°29’53″W Perhaps you’ve already seen it. What’s your thoughts?
Hi Johnny,
Thank you.
I will have a look later.
Have a great day.
Justin
Greetings All – I sorry to say I don’t see much of anything. I too am a retired aviator and scuba diver. Maybe my eyes are just worn out. Good work for using Google Earth as a tool, but at the end of the day, the resolution is so poor I just don’t share the enthusiasm. It reminds me of that American TV show – The X Files because I too want to want to believe!
Hi Jon,
Thank you for your message.
I know it’s a tricky one ey. It took me a long time putting that puzzle together. I disbelieved it too. As you no doubt know the parts would blend in so well with the coral. The work I put into what you all have read is only half of what really went into it. It was the maths which ultimately highlighted the likelihood of it being an old aircraft. I have many more photos which I have not used which perhaps I should add to the blog.
I can’t say that it is 100% NR16020. However, I can say I’m 99% sure that’s a 12 meter aircraft. The maths , man made objects, sequence of the parts and other parties evidence suggests that the plane could be that of Amelia’s.
Have a good weekend.
Appreciated,
Justin
I’d like to speak with you regarding some research that may be helpful.
Hi Duane,
Of course, if you could email aircrashsites with an email I will be in touch.
Much appreciated.
Justin
Justin, have you reached out to Josh Gates and the Expedition Unknown/X crew?
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for your message.
I have tried contacting Josh Gates. However, I have not heard anything as yet.
I am in contact with someone in the South Pacific at the moment .
Appreciated,
Justin