Challenges Faced by Amelia Earhart: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Amelia Earhart's life and career.

Amelia Earhart was a pioneering American aviator who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe. A champion of women's rights and commercial aviation, she was the first woman to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic. Earhart set numerous aviation records, authored best-selling books about her experiences, and helped found The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. Her disappearance cemented her status as a global cultural icon, symbolizing courage and the pursuit of dreams.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1914: Edwin Forced to Retire, Grandmother's Death

In 1914, Edwin Earhart was forced to retire due to alcoholism, and Amelia's grandmother Amelia Otis died, leaving an estate in a trust for her daughter.

December 1918: Discharge From Spadina Military Hospital

In December 1918, Amelia Earhart was discharged from Spadina Military Hospital after contracting the Spanish flu and suffering from pneumonia and maxillary sinusitis.

1924: Sinus Operation and Career Ventures

In 1924, Amelia Earhart's sinus problems worsened, leading to another unsuccessful operation. She also explored other ventures such as photography after exhausting her inheritance.

1924: Transcontinental Trip

In 1924, following her parents' divorce, Amelia Earhart drove her mother across the country in "Yellow Peril" from California, stopping in the western United States and Canada, before ending the trip in Boston, Massachusetts.

1929: Women's Air Derby Participation

In 1929, Amelia Earhart participated in the Women's Air Derby, finishing third in the heavy division after a competitor's accident. The race started on August 18 and ended on August 26.

November 1934: Fire at the Putnam Residence

In late November 1934, while Amelia Earhart was away on a speaking tour, a fire broke out at the Putnam residence in Rye, destroying many family treasures and her personal mementos.

1935: Participation in the Bendix Trophy Race

In 1935, Amelia Earhart participated in the Bendix Trophy long-distance air race, finishing fifth, with her Lockheed Vega being outclassed by purpose-built aircraft. The race was marked by a competitor's death and challenging weather conditions.

March 1937: Recovery of Earhart's Lockheed Electra engine nacelle after Hawaii crash

Following the March 1937 Hawaii crash, a small section of Earhart's Lockheed Electra starboard engine nacelle was recovered and confirmed as authentic. It is now used as a control piece for authenticating possible future discoveries.

March 17, 1937: Earhart's round-the-world flight attempt abandoned after crash

On March 17, 1937, Amelia Earhart and her crew began their round-the-world flight from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawaii. However, the attempt was abandoned after an uncontrolled ground-loop during takeoff at Luke Field in Pearl Harbor, which damaged the aircraft. The cause of the crash is unknown, and the aircraft was sent to Lockheed Burbank for repairs.