TIGHAR

Amelia Earhart Search Forum => General discussion => Topic started by: Randy Conrad on May 18, 2013, 08:50:50 AM

Title: Electrical Storm
Post by: Randy Conrad on May 18, 2013, 08:50:50 AM
In correlation with Research Document # 34 (page 2), R.M. Hansen...Wake Island, DF operator, describes that on the morning of July 6, 1937 he describes having a hard time receiving anything due to a severe electrical storm. If this be the case, does anyone know or have data to indicate such a storm in this area or Gardner island at the time? If this be true, is it possible that the Electra could have suffered damage or went over the edge during this time? Plus, I don't know the distance between Wake Island and Niku. Somebody help me out please...thanks!!!!
Title: Re: Electrical Storm
Post by: Ric Gillespie on May 18, 2013, 09:14:33 AM
In correlation with Research Document # 34 (page 2), R.M. Hansen...Wake Island, DF operator, describes that on the morning of July 6, 1937 he describes having a hard time receiving anything due to a severe electrical storm. If this be the case, does anyone know or have data to indicate such a storm in this area or Gardner island at the time? If this be true, is it possible that the Electra could have suffered damage or went over the edge during this time? Plus, I don't know the distance between Wake Island and Niku. Somebody help me out please...thanks!!!!

It's 1,800 nautical miles from Wake to Gardner.  The electrical storm could have been anywhere but it was more likely closer to Wake because other stations didn't report trouble.   That said, severe local squalls are not uncommon at Gardner and often involve high winds (I've chased many a blowing tarp during such storms).  Wind could be a factor in moving the plane on the reef.
Title: Re: Electrical Storm
Post by: Randy Conrad on May 18, 2013, 09:44:22 AM
Sounds like western Kansas to me!!!
Title: Re: Electrical Storm
Post by: Dale O. Beethe on May 18, 2013, 09:08:19 PM
"Fred, we're not in Kansas anymore!"  Someone had to go there!