I have been interested in this mystery for over 30 years, and whilst I have not devoted the time or resources to it that people such as Mr Billings or Elgen Long have, I have read lots of books on different theories regarding what became of AE.
Almost without exception, these books (there must be about 75, of which I have read perhaps a third) contain quite strong evidence supporting the particular theory that the book is based on. These include -
- AE crashed on Gardner Island (now known as Nikumororo) in the Phoenix group
- AE crashed near Saipan and was executed by the Japanese
- AE was taken to Fiji and died there
Whatever her fate, people will continue to wonder until either positively identified wreckage of her Electra, or DNA-matched remains resolve the mystery.
I do consider the New Britain site to be a credible possibility, and I certainly hope Mr Billings does find a suitable benefactor to fund the expedition.