The D. B. Cooper Hijacking: November 24, 1971

On November 24, 1971, a man known by the pseudonym “D. B. Cooper” executed one of the most infamous and mysterious hijackings in aviation history. This event took place on the eve of Thanksgiving, capturing the attention of the nation and leaving a legacy of intrigue that persists to this day.

Background

• Flight Details: The hijacking occurred on Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, a Boeing 727 aircraft. The flight was a short hop from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington.
• The Hijacker: The man purchased his ticket under the name “Dan Cooper,” which was later mistakenly reported as “D. B. Cooper” by the media. He was described as a middle-aged man, wearing a business suit, a black tie, and carrying a briefcase.

The Hijacking

• The Demand: Shortly after takeoff, Cooper handed a note to a flight attendant, indicating he had a bomb in his briefcase. He showed her a glimpse of wires and red sticks inside the case, demanding $200,000 in cash, four parachutes, and a fuel truck standing by in Seattle for refueling.
• The Ransom: Upon landing in Seattle, Cooper’s demands were met. The passengers were released in exchange for the ransom money and parachutes. The crew remained on board as the plane took off again, directed by Cooper to fly towards Mexico City at a low altitude and slow speed.

The Escape

• The Jump: Somewhere over the rugged terrain of southwestern Washington, Cooper opened the rear stairway of the Boeing 727 and parachuted into the night, carrying the ransom money with him.
• The Aftermath: Despite an extensive manhunt and investigation by the FBI, Cooper was never found. The case remains the only unsolved air piracy in commercial aviation history.

Investigation and Legacy

• Search Efforts: The FBI launched an operation named “NORJAK” (Northwest Hijacking) to find Cooper. They conducted ground searches and interviewed hundreds of potential suspects, but no conclusive evidence was ever found.
• Cultural Impact: The mystery of D. B. Cooper has inspired numerous books, documentaries, and even movies. The case remains a popular subject of speculation and amateur sleuthing.
• Unsolved Mystery: In 1980, a young boy discovered a decaying package containing \(5,800 in \)20 bills along the Columbia River, which matched the serial numbers of the ransom money. This discovery only deepened the mystery, as it provided no clear answers about Cooper’s fate.

Conclusion

The D. B. Cooper hijacking remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history. Despite the passage of time, the case continues to captivate the public imagination, symbolizing the allure of the unknown and the enduring question of what happened to the man who vanished into the night with $200,000.