14 DAY TRIAL // The quest for Amelia Earhart's aircraft took a rather unexpected turn when philanthropist Timothy Mellon decided to file a lawsuit against TIGHAR (The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery).
Timothy Mellon claims that the long-lost aircraft was discovered back in 2010, and that TIGHAR chose not to announce its finding to the world just so that it could get some more money (i.e. $1 million / €0.76 million) for “research purposes.”
The philanthropist goes on to say that, before filing his lawsuit, he asked several experts to have a look at a series of photos taken in 2010.
These experts all concluded that the pictures clearly showed the wreckage of the place resting at the bottom of the ocean.
TIGHAR did not take lightly to these accusations, and was quick in responding by poking fun at both Timothy Mellon and the statements issued by the experts he had “conjured up” to back up his claims.
“On June 3, Mr. Mellon sued TIGHAR and Executive Director Ric Gillespie alleging that TIGHAR recorded underwater footage of wreckage of the Electra during the 2010 expedition but TIGHAR failed to disclose the discovery to Mr. Mellon and other contributors to the 2012 expedition,” reads the organization's official website.
“In numerous public postings on TIGHAR’s Amelia Earhart Search Forum, Mr. Mellon also presents annotated screen-captures from the 2010 video in which he points out what he believes to be not only components of the aircraft but also the dismembered remains of Miss Earhart and Captain Noonan; Ms. Earhart’s banjo, violin and guitar; a flyswatter; and rolls of toilet paper,” TIGHAR goes on to say.
The organization maintains that Timothy Mellon's accusations have no basis in reality and that it will go to any lengths to defend itself.
“Despite the lawsuit, TIGHAR will always be grateful to Mr. Mellon for his contribution to the 2012 expedition and respects his right to interpret the imagery in any way he chooses.”
“TIGHAR also maintains that the allegations in the lawsuit are entirely without merit and TIGHAR will defend itself fully,” TIGHAR wished to stress.