Archaeological Legacy Institute expedition to Niku

[Martin X. Moleski, SJ]

Oregon archaeologist to embark on expedition to find Amelia Earhart's long-lost plane

Anna Young, 22 January 2025

Dr. Richard Pettigrew, executive director of the Archaeological Legacy Institute in Eugene, has assembled a team of about 10 scientists will launch an expedition this summer to the remote island of Nikumaroro in the western Pacific Ocean to find Earhart's Lockheed 10-E Electra.


After years of acquiring and analyzing satellite, video and drone imagery, Pettigrew believes a metallic and reflective visual anomaly, called the Taraia Object, on the north shore of the Nikumaroro lagoon alongside the Taraia Peninsula is the main body and tail of the missing aircraft. [...]


Pettigrew, who has participated in previous expeditions to Nikumaroro, where some believe Earhart landed her plane and died, said he is aware of the "frustrating history" of the decades-long search for the explorer's plane.

Aiming for August, 2025.

"After following TIGHAR's Nikumaroro research for decades and then going there with them in 2017, I developed great respect for the Nikumaroro Hypothesis, even in the absence of absolute confirmation in the form of DNA or clear evidence of the missing Electra," Pettigrew added.

[Jeff Lange]

So, I assume that they will have a representative of the local government accompanying them and of course will obtain any permits or permissions required?

[Ric Gillespie]

So, I assume that they will have a representative of the local government accompanying them and of course will obtain any permits or permissions required?

Not that I am aware of. TIGHAR's Antiquities Management Agreement with Kiribati expired in 2022 so Pettigrew does not need TIGHAR's permission but I have a long-standing friendship with Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) director Tukabu Teroroko and I would expect at least an inquiry from him if his office was approached for a permit.

Below is an excerpt from an email exchange I had with Pettigrew in January.

Pettigrew: "I think we can agree, however, that somebody needs to go and look."

Gillespie: "If I thought somebody needed to go look, I would go look. We've done it before.  In 2002 the lead scientist on a New England Aquarium expedition to Niku saw what he believed was an airplane wheel in shallow water near the shore of Tatiman Passage.  In 2003 we sent a small expedition to check it out, but by then it was gone, apparently washed away by a storm." 

Pettigrew: "My request to you is to give us your blessing to go back to the island and determine once-and-for-all what the Taraia Object actually is."

Gillespie: "I do not believe there is sufficient evidence of wreckage at Taraia to merit the expense of an on-site investigation.  I can not say otherwise."

Pettigrew: "I know that people will ask you what you think about our plan. ...  I hope you will allow for the possibility that we are right and express your hope (if not expectation) that traces of the Electra could actually be found."

Gillespie: "I would never oppose any responsible archaeological investigation of Niku."

At last report, he had pledges (not actual donations) for $400,000 of the $900,000 needed for an expedition.  No word on what ship, if any has been charted. Suitable vessels for an expedition to Niku are hard to find and usually have to be booked a year in advance with a deposit paid. I am in regular communication with Rob Barrel, co-owner of Nai'a. As of early this month he was unaware of Pettigrew's plans.

[Jeff Lange]

Thank you for the insight Ric. As I told my wife, and to paraphrase Lord of the Rings, "One does not simply GO to Nikumaroro!" :-)

[Kenton E. Spading]

From the project's website
https://www.archaeologychannel.org/taraia/

The proposed August 2025 expedition is conceived as Phase 1 of a potential three-phase project. The anticipated subsequent phases, to take place in the following years, would include full-scale archaeological excavation (Phase 2) and recovery (Phase 3) of the aircraft remains.

The plan the Phase-1 field examination is confirmation that the Taraia Object is the Lockheed Electra aircraft.

Phase 1 involves a small select team of well qualified individuals visiting Nikumaroro Island under the direction of the Archaeology Legacy Institute staff. The team includes maritime archaeology personnel from RECON Offshore Inc. and individuals from TIGHAR who have worked on the island and are familiar with the shallow waters on the north side of the lagoon; and others.  This team will be brought to the island on a small ship, for example an expedition yacht, provided by a respected partner with the necessary experience, capabilities and equipment (including Zodiak boats) to contribute both transportation and logistical field support.

[Jeff Lange]

Glad they have a three part plan, but as we know- Niku is very stingy in what she gives up. If their expedition goes like almost every other exploration I will be surprised IF they can even locate ANY supposed artifact in the lagoon at all. I wish them the best of luck though- I'd like to see this mystery solved!

[Greg Daspit]

It looks like the island had a recent drought in the latest Google Maps image I saw. If it is still defoliated, it could be a a good time to fly a drone over the interior of the west shore. Specifically the part that appears to get storm over wash.

[Bill Mangus]

The latest image is dated 4-5-24, as of today.  If you zoom in you can clearly see the bottom of the lagoon along the shoreline, individual trees and fallen trunks of downed trees on land.

I don't believe a drone is needed.

[Greg Daspit]

I think the object in the lagoon is a tree but there are aerial photos and witness accounts parts may have entered it. I am seeing change in the island and that can be revealing. I'm just saying the inland area off the west shore looks easier to search in 2024 than 2020. And it's possible that area gets stuff washed up from the reef landing area in storms.

[Martin X. Moleski, SJ]

I think the object in the lagoon is a tree but there are aerial photos and witness accounts parts may have entered it. I am seeing change in the island and that can be revealing. I'm just saying the inland area off the west shore looks easier to search in 2024 than 2020. And it's possible that area gets stuff washed up from the reef landing area in storms.

Yes, the April 9, 2024, view from Google Earth is very striking. It looks as though one might be able to walk up to the Seven Site without having to clear the path.