Jaunted

Exhibit A, according to TIGHAR, are human bones that were recovered from Nikumaroro in 1940 by a British Colonial Service Officer named Gerald Gallagher. Sadly, those bones have been lost, but records of the discovery indicate they matched Earhart's physical characteristics. Whatever other skeletal remains might have been on the island, though, have likely been plundered by the thousands of terrifying coconut crabs in the area.

Other physical evidence includes a "woman's shoe, an empty bottle and a sextant box whose serial numbers are consistent with a type known to have been carried by Noonan," as well as reports that radio signals had been picked up for several days after the disappearance that could have only been transmitted from land.

Executive director Richard Gillespie is planning a $500,000 research expedition next summer to gather more evidence for his theory. If he does, then one of the most enduring mysteries of early 20th century aviation might be solved. If only the coconut crabs could talk.

[Photo: Discovery News]

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