Divers Will Search for Amelia Earhart's Plane
A 15-member team will investigate a potential aircraft anomaly near Nikumaroro in October 2026.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Space
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An upcoming expedition led by Purdue University and the Archaeological Legacy Institute will search for the remains of Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Electra 10-E. Participant Marc Hagle will dive into a Pacific lagoon at Nikumaroro to inspect a visual anomaly known as the Taraia Object.
Why it matters
The mission aims to confirm if the Taraia Object is the wreckage of the aircraft that vanished on July 2, 1937. Solving the mystery of Earhart's disappearance remains a significant goal for historians and aviation enthusiasts alike.
The 15-member team will focus on the Taraia Object, a visual anomaly located in the lagoon of Nikumaroro. Researchers will utilize scuba diving to conduct an up-close physical inspection of the site.
The players
Marc Hagle
He is a scuba diver from Winter Park, Florida, who will participate in the underwater search.
Amelia Earhart
She was a pioneering aviator who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to circumnavigate the globe.
Purdue University
This educational institution is a primary sponsor and leader of the expedition searching for the aircraft.
Archaeological Legacy Institute
This organization is co-leading the mission to recover historical artifacts related to the 1937 flight.
The details
The expedition team will examine the seafloor for any evidence linked to the Lockheed Electra 10-E, which disappeared while Earhart was attempting to reach Howland Island. Marc Hagle will lead the underwater inspection phase to determine the composition and origin of the object.
Timeline
July 2, 1937: Amelia Earhart's plane disappeared during her flight.
September 18, 2026: Marc Hagle discussed the upcoming mission in a news interview.
October 2026: The expedition team is scheduled to embark for the Pacific site.
The Big Picture
The search for the Lockheed Electra 10-E follows the established pattern of decades-long investigative efforts to identify the site of Earhart's final flight. This expedition represents a specific effort to move beyond conjecture by conducting a physical investigation of the Taraia Object.
The mission aims to resolve long-standing historical questions through modern forensic and archaeological survey techniques. Success in identifying the wreckage could provide new data regarding aviation history and the capabilities of early long-distance aircraft.
The takeaway
Advancements in underwater search technology continue to provide new opportunities to resolve decades-old mysteries. Enthusiasts should monitor updates from the research team following the conclusion of the October 2026 expedition.
Further reading
For more information on the search for historic wreckage, visit the /science/space/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WESH.
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