The Mystery of D.B. Cooper: America’s Greatest Unsolved Skyjacking
The mystery of D.B. Cooper remains one of the most captivating unsolved crimes in American history.
On November 24, 1971, an unidentified man hijacked a commercial airliner, extorted $200,000 in ransom, and parachuted into the Pacific Northwest, never to be seen again.
Despite decades of investigations, theories, and speculation, the true identity of D.B. Cooper and his ultimate fate remain unknown.
The Hijacking
On Thanksgiving Eve, a man who identified himself as “Dan Cooper” purchased a one-way ticket from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington, on Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305.
Described as a quiet and polite man in his mid-40s, Cooper boarded the plane wearing a dark suit, black tie, and sunglasses.
Shortly after takeoff, Cooper handed a note to a flight attendant, claiming he had a bomb in his briefcase.
The note demanded $200,000 in cash, four parachutes, and a fuel truck standing by in Seattle for refueling.
Cooper’s calm demeanor and specific instructions minimized panic among passengers, who were unaware of the hijacking until after landing.

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The Escape
Upon landing in Seattle, Cooper’s demands were met by authorities. He allowed the passengers to disembark in exchange for the ransom money and parachutes.
With a reduced crew, the plane took off again, heading toward Reno, Nevada, at Cooper’s instruction.
During the flight, Cooper lowered the aft stairs and parachuted into the stormy night over a heavily wooded area near the Washington-Oregon border.
When the plane landed safely in Reno, Cooper was gone, along with the ransom money. Despite an immediate search by law enforcement, no trace of him was found.
The Investigation
The FBI launched an extensive investigation, codenamed “NORJAK” (Northwest Hijacking). Key aspects of the case include:
- Physical Evidence: Cooper left behind a black clip-on tie, a mother-of-pearl tie clip, and eight cigarette butts. Despite advances in forensic science, these items have not yielded conclusive leads.
- Ransom Money: In 1980, a young boy discovered $5,800 of Cooper’s ransom money buried along the Columbia River, sparking new interest but no definitive answers.
- Witness Descriptions: Witness accounts helped create composite sketches of Cooper, but his true identity remains elusive.
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Theories and Suspects
Over the years, numerous theories and suspects have emerged, including:
- Richard Floyd McCoy: A former Green Beret, McCoy hijacked a plane in a similar fashion months later but was captured. Many believe his methods and profile align with Cooper’s.
- Kenneth Christiansen: A former Northwest Orient employee, Christiansen’s background and appearance matched aspects of the case, but evidence linking him to the crime is circumstantial.
- Walter Reca: In 2018, a friend of Reca claimed he confessed to being Cooper. However, the claim remains disputed.
- Death After the Jump: Some theorists argue that Cooper likely died during his daring escape, citing the inclement weather and rugged terrain as insurmountable obstacles for survival.
Cultural Impact
The legend of D.B. Cooper has permeated popular culture, inspiring books, films, and television shows.
His audacious crime and mysterious disappearance have elevated him to a near-mythical status, representing rebellion and ingenuity in the face of authority.
The case continues to intrigue amateur sleuths and professional investigators alike, with new theories emerging regularly.
Modern Investigations
In 2016, the FBI officially closed its active investigation into the case, citing a lack of new evidence.
However, advances in forensic science and the dedication of private investigators keep the mystery alive.
DNA analysis, for example, has been applied to Cooper’s tie, though no matches have been found.
The mystery of D.B. Cooper endures as a testament to the allure of the unknown.
Whether he survived his daring escape or perished in the wilderness, his story has left an indelible mark on American history.
Until new evidence emerges, the identity and fate of D.B. Cooper will remain one of the greatest mysteries of our time.
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