Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra 10E NR16020 is refueled at Miami, Florida, 1 June 1937

Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra 10E NR16020 is refueled at Miami, Florida. (Bournemouth News and Picture Service)

2 thoughts on “Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra 10E NR16020 is refueled at Miami, Florida, 1 June 1937

  1. Great website with many high res historical photos. I believe however that this photo is mislabeled. I have been studying the Earhart history from a technical (communications) side for a while and noted that the top antenna mast is about even with the rear edge of the dark metal panel on the side of the fuselage. In the next photo of your collection the mast is even with the front edge of the same panel. This change was effected during repairs following her takeoff accident in March 37. (repairs March thru May 1937) This photo is probably on her first attempt either at Luke Field or Wheeler Field Hawaii in March 1937. (Note Navy personnel fueling aircraft) She departed Miami in the second attempt from a civilian airport.

    1. You may be correct, however, the source of the image, Bournemouth News and Picture Service, says that it was taken at Miami. Rather than the antenna, the large window at the rear of the fuselage raises the question as to the date and location. While at Miami, this was replaced by sheet aluminum as the plexiglas panel had been lost between New Orleans and Miami. So, the photo probably predates 1 June. Another photograph, published by the Miami Herald, of Earhart and her step-daughter-in-law, Nilla Putnam, “photographed at Miami a few days before her takeoff,” shows that the metal panel has not yet been installed. Earhart arrived at the Pan American Field on 36th Street on 23 May, but quickly relocated to Miami Municipal Airport which had two concrete runways and had opened just five months before. The photo in question was most likely taken at Miami Municipal Airport between 23 May and 1 June.

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