A Eugene-based organization wants to help solve one of history’s greatest mysteries: the fate of pioneer aviatrix Amelia Earhart, whose plane disappeared nearly 80 years ago. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.
The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) is headed out next summer to the remote Pacific island of Nikumaroro. Among those hoping to join the expedition is Rick Pettigrew, President of the Archaelogical Legacy Institute, based in Eugene.
“Amelia Earhart was on the home stretch in her bid to become the first woman to pilot an airplane all the way around the world," says Pettigrew. "Her disappearance really struck a chord with people around the world in 1937. And we want to be there when they find what could be the conclusive evidence that she in fact was on this island, and marooned and died there.”
Pettigrew says the expedition plans to excavate a rock cairn that could contain the remains of Earhart’s navigator, Fred Noonan.
He adds they’re still figuring out a budget, but hope to raise at least $45,000 to get him and a film partner out to shoot footage for a documentary.
NOTE: More on the Archaelogical Legacy Institute and their fundraiser -- which starts September 19 -- can be found here: www.archaeologychannel.org/about-guide/our-organization
