Hi Ric & folks,
Apologies if this is already addressed somewhere, but I was just curious as to how the identification/confirmation process will work in the next expedition. i.e. let's say that the ROV goes down and does discover man-made wreckage at the 600 foot anomaly site. Even if some of the wreckage is identifiable as "aircraft components," I am assuming that there will be further work needed to definitively nail it as being Earhart's Electra? Will the ROV be equipped so as to *retrieve* anything (for further detailed analysis)?
Likewise with the 200 foot-deep debris field - let's assume that is actually fragments of the landing gear. Are there plans to retrieve anything? (to look for a manufacturer's plate or anything that would yield *definitive* proof to end the mystery for good?)
I find Tighar's hypothesis to be incredibly compelling and the methods and openness here seem to follow the highest scientific standards. At the same time, it seems like there will have to be definitive proof presented before everyone (i.e. the general public) agrees the mystery is over. (I guess this is the "any idiot artifact" that has long been discussed?).
Do the expedition plans include *retrieving* said artifact (are the ROVs even equipped for this)? Is there a hope of this next outing yielding final closure to the mystery? If it yields ROV footage of an airplane wreck in 600 feet of water, is it anticipated that that might be "enough"?
Lots of open-ended questions, I know, and they are all intended with the utmost respect. I guess it boils down to wondering what criteria will allow for a legitimate "mission accomplished" banner to be hoisted...? (and what expedition plans are being made accordingly)
Cheers,
-Skip