Background:

Amelia Earhart is one of the most famous aviators in the world and she flew into the history books in July of 1937 when she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, took off from Lae, Papua New Guinea for Howland Island. They never made it. Come with us on part 1 of this 2 part special while we take you back to what her life was really like in the years leading up to her vanishing.

Legend:

There are dozens of theories about Amelia's disappearance, most of which don't hold water, but there are three or four that any one of which proven true would make for one of the most fantastic tales ever told.

This episode is about aviation's most famous disappearance of all time, Amelia Earhart.

Stories

(Links work best in iOS on iTunes or on our webpage at astonishinglegends.com)

On Amelia Earhart:

The Wikipedia Page on Amelia Her Official Website A great History Channel Page on Amelia The 99's Her Lockheed Electra 10E Special Her Lockheed Vega 5B

Interesting Facts: Contrary to popular belief, Amelia was considered by many, including close friends, not to be a great pilot. Paul Mantz supposedly cited pilot error after their failed take-off in Hawaii (he later died of pilot error himself). Her lack of finesse was also apparent on various occasions when she would compete in air races and finish far in the field with a bouncy landing in front of all the spectators.

No one on Earth ever doubted her courage however.

On Fred Noonan:

The Wikipedia Page on Fred A History Channel Page on Fred

Interesting Facts: Noonan had reportedly wanted to open a navigation school and saw his participation in the circumnavigation as a way to generate interest. Unfortunately he was lost at sea.

On Paul Mantz:

Wikipedia Page on Mantz Youtube Video showing Paul Mantz's final fatal accident.

Interesting Facts: Paul Mantz became a movie stuntman and died filming 'Flight of the Phoenix'.

For more information on this episode visit our website!

Credits:

Episode 004 - 'Amelia Earhart Vanishes (Part 1)' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design, Scott Philbrook Editing. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2014, All Rights Reserved.

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Shownotes Transcript

Amelia Earhart Vanishes Part 1