Partly-printed DS, signed twice in pencil, “Amelia Earhart,” one page both sides, 8 x 7, March 25, 1937. United States Department of Agriculture baggage declaration form completed upon returning to Los Angeles Harbor aboard the SS Malalo after her failed first attempt at an around-the-world-flight. The first portion is filled out in Earhart’s hand with her name and address, “Amelia Earhart” and “10042 Valley Spring Lane, N. Hollywood Calif.” She signs again at the conclusion to certify that she has four pieces of luggage and is not carrying any foreign-grown material. A notation in another hand reads, “On her return to mainland from Honolulu after cracking up on the second leg of a westerly round the world flight.” In very good condition, with expected document wear, staple hole to upper left corner, and a small stain affecting a portion of Earhart’s signature at the conclusion.
On March 17, 1932, Earhart and her crew took off from Oakland bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, as the first leg of her circumnavigation of the globe. Due to lubrication and galling problems with the propeller hubs' variable pitch mechanisms, the Lockheed Electra needed servicing once they arrived in Hawaii. After a three-day delay they attempted to continue, but the plane suffered severe damage during takeoff and they were forced to abandon the trip. Earhart and her crew returned to Los Angeles by sea and landed on March 25 with the Electra soon to follow for repairs at the Lockheed factory. This was Earhart’s last entry into the United States, and while awaiting a functional plane she spent her time soliciting financial support for her second try. Once ready, she decided to take an easterly route and left Miami on June 1, 1937, never to return. An extraordinary document representing Earhart’s failed first attempt at a round-the-world flight, foreshadowing the doom soon to come. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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