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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)August 29, 2026Hillsborough

Two Pensacola archaeologists join expedition to locate Amelia Earhart's aircraft

Two maritime archaeologists from Pensacola will participate in the Taraia Object Expedition this fall to search for Amelia Earhart's missing plane. The project involves collaboration with the Archaeological Legacy Institute, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

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Why It Matters

This expedition represents a new effort to resolve a long-standing historical mystery involving military and civilian collaboration.

Key Facts

  • Two maritime archaeologists from Pensacola are participating in the Taraia Object Expedition.
  • The expedition is scheduled to take place this fall.
  • The primary objective of the expedition is to locate Amelia Earhart's lost plane.
  • Dr. Richard Pettigrew of the Archaeological Legacy Institute is the project leader.
  • The project involves collaboration with U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard personnel and veterans.

Who's Mentioned

organizationPurdue University“Expedition sponsor”personWill Wilson“Pensacola-based archaeologist and team member”personMichael Krivor“Pensacola-based archaeologist and team member”other10“Model of the Electra aircraft”personAmelia Earhart“Subject of the search”personRichard Pettigrew“Executive director of the Archaeological Legacy Institute and expedition leader”organizationU.S. Navy“Collaborating military branch”organizationU.S. Coast Guard“Collaborating military branch”organizationRECON Offshore“Pensacola archaeological firm”organizationArchaeological Legacy Institute“Organization leading the expedition”other16“Number of team members”locationPensacola“Home base for the participating archaeologists”locationNikumaroro“Island where the search is focused”