An intriguing new study appears to strengthen the case for the theory that Amelia Earhart survived whatever downed her plane and, in fact, ultimately perished as a castaway.
The fate of the famed aviatrix has captivated researchers since she went missing while attempting an around-the-world flight in 1937.
Traditionally, much of the investigation into the Earhart mystery has centered around searching for potential pieces of her plane in areas of the Pacific Ocean where she was last spotted on radar.
However, the research group known as TIGHAR, which has doggedly pursued the Earhart mystery for years, believe they may have uncovered a powerful new clue to the case.
The organization commissioned a study into bones which were found in 1940 on an atoll in the Pacific Ocean where many believe Earhart may have landed.
The remains had been examined when they were first discovered, but experts at the time said they could not have come from Earhart and the bones were subsequently lost.
This is particularly maddening because, if the bones were still available today, DNA testing may have been able to conclusively connect them to Earhart.
Alas, that is not to be, so researchers are left to think 'outside the box' in an attempt to glean information from the mysterious remains.
Fortunately, TIGHAR managed to obtain records which included precise measurements from the initial examination of the bones.
In turn, the group enlisted forensics expert Jeff Glickman to look at the data for any possible connection that may have been missed over sixty years ago.
And, according to Glickman, that appears to be the case.
Using photographs of Earhart from the era, he concluded that the length of the pilot's forearm was "virtually identical" to that of the bones discovered in 1940.
Although, TIGHAR concedes that the findings do not definitively solve the Earhart mystery, they do seem to lend credence to the possibility that she died as a castaway.
While we may never know what became of Earhart, the new study is a good reminder that there could still be fresh insights to various mysteries hidden in old data just waiting to be seen with modern eyes.
Coast Insider that want to take a deep dive into the Amelia Earhart mystery should check out the 12/12/2014 edition of the program featuring researcher and filmmaker Richard Martini.
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Source: USA Today