DB Cooper: The Enduring Mystery of America's Most Puzzling Skyjacking

 

DB Cooper: The Mystery of the Unsolved Plane Hijacking

Introduction

On November 24, 1971, a routine 30-minute flight from Portland to Seattle was hijacked by a man known as D.B. Cooper. This audacious and puzzling case remains the only unsolved plane hijacking in American history.

The Hijacking

A man named Daniel Cooper boarded the plane as a normal businessman but revealed himself as a hijacker after takeoff. He subtly handed a ransom note to a flight attendant, demanding $200,000 in cash and four parachutes.

Cooper's demeanor remained composed, ensuring that other passengers were unaware of the situation. Communication between him and the authorities was established through two flight attendants.

The Demands

Cooper set specific demands: $200,000 in cash, four parachutes (two front, two rear), and a fuel truck on standby. He threatened to detonate the bomb in his briefcase if his requests were not met.

Departure and Parachute Jump

After receiving his demands, the plane landed in Seattle at 5:46 pm. Cooper allowed the passengers and flight attendants to leave, except for one. With the plane refueled, he directed the pilots to fly towards Mexico City at a specific altitude and speed.

At an altitude of 10,000 feet, Cooper ordered the flight attendant to lock herself in the cockpit. He then prepared his parachutes and deployed the rear staircase of the Boeing 727 aircraft. Witnesses reported seeing the plane's tail section abruptly tilting upwards, indicating Cooper's exit.

The Investigation

Despite a thorough search, no trace of Cooper's body or the missing money was found. The investigation focused on identifying Cooper, analyzing the ransom note, and determining the feasibility of his survival after the jump.

The Name Mistake

The hijacker's name was incorrectly reported as D.B. Cooper due to a misheard statement by a reporter. The name stuck, despite the real name being Dan Cooper.

Theories of Survival

Despite the challenging conditions of Cooper's jump, subsequent hijackings with similar tactics and successful parachute landings suggested that Cooper may have survived. The cold water temperature, high wind speeds, and darkness were considered possible factors affecting his fate.

The Money Discovery

In 1979, an 8-year-old boy discovered a bundle of $20 bills from Cooper's ransom money on the banks of the Columbia River. The serial numbers matched those provided by the bank, confirming the connection to the hijacking.

The Tie Clip Clue

A tie clip left behind by Cooper provided microscopic particles that hinted at his possible occupation in chemical manufacturing or aeronautical engineering, specifically at Boeing.

Sketches and Identity

The FBI released several sketches of Cooper's appearance, with the third and final drawing being considered the most accurate. This sketch helped identify possible theories about his identity, including a former Air Force cargo loader.

Conclusion

The D.B. Cooper case remains a perplexing mystery, with numerous unanswered questions about the hijacker's fate, motive, and identity. The investigation continues to intrigue the public and investigators alike, as the mystery of the unsolved plane hijacking persists