Receiver fuse replaced in Darwin

Earhart's receiver was not working on approach to Darwin on 28 June.

Mr. A.R. Collins, Aircraft Inspector and Officer-in-Charge of the aerodrome at Darwin, as quoted in an enclosure to a letter to the American Consul in Sydney, 3 August 1937:

I have to acknowledge your memorandum reference the enquiry from the American Consulate, Sydney, in regard to the wireless communication of Miss Earhart, while at Darwin during the recent round-the-world flight which it is deeply regretted ended in disaster.

When Miss Earhart arrived at Darwin it was necessary to ask why there had been no radio communication with the Government Direction Finding Wireless Station under my control. (Miss Earhart had been advised of the facilities and the Station’s wave length prior to departure from Koepang). Miss Earhart regretted that the D/F receiver installed in her aircraft was not functioning therefore an inspection of this receiver was carried out and a ground test arranged between the aircraft and the D/F wireless station. It was discovered that the fuse for the D/F generator had blown and upon renewal in Miss Earhart's presence the ground test was completed. Miss Earhart was advised to inspect fuse in event of further trouble.

During the journey from Darwin to Lae the following morning communications was established with Darwin for a distance of 200 miles from this station, radio telephone being used by Miss Earhart.

No inspection of Miss Earhart's transmission gear was carried out, this apparently being in order, therefore Sergeant Rose cannot hazard an opinion apart from the faulty fuse which affected only the D/F receiver.

Related articles

• Radio chronology.
• Timeline of the second round-the-world attempt.