As investigations continued, experts analyzed the sonar image in detail, comparing it to known aircraft structures, as well as the specs for Earhart’s Electra.
Deep sea explorers and oceanographers conducted follow-up studies, and what they found was disappointing: The object was determined to be a natural rock formation, rather than an aircraft.
This revelation was a major setback for those hoping to solve Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. While sonar images can sometimes resemble man-made objects, closer analysis often reveals natural explanations.
The search for Earhart’s plane continues, as new technologies and research methods keep the hope of finding her historic aircraft.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
