The Hijacking: A Bold Move
On November 24, 1971, a man using the alias "Dan Cooper" (later misidentified as "D.B. Cooper") boarded Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 in Portland, Oregon. The flight was en route to Seattle, Washington. The hijacker, described as a middle-aged man dressed in a black suit, approached the flight attendant shortly after takeoff with a briefcase in hand.
The Demands
Cooper handed the flight attendant a note that initially went unnoticed. However, he soon revealed that he was armed and demanded $200,000 in cash, four parachutes, and a fuel truck standing by in Seattle to allow the plane to take off again. The flight attendant quickly alerted the pilot, and the plane was diverted to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The events that unfolded during the hijacking were surreal:
1. Negotiation: Authorities negotia
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is D.B. Cooper?
D.B. Cooper is the alias used by an unidentified individual who hijacked a commercial airplane in 1971, extorted a ransom, and then parachuted out of the plane, disappearing without a trace.
What happened during the D.B. Cooper hijacking?
On November 24, 1971, Cooper hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, demanded $200,000 in ransom, and instructed the crew to fly to Mexico City. After receiving the money, he jumped from the plane with a parachute.
Why is the D.B. Cooper case considered one of history's greatest mysteries?
The case remains unsolved, with no definitive evidence of Cooper's identity or fate after the parachute jump, leading to numerous theories and ongoing public fascination.
What theories exist about D.B. Cooper's identity?
There are many theories, including suggestions that he was a disgruntled employee of the airline, a Vietnam War veteran, or even a local criminal, but none have been proven.
What evidence was found related to the D.B. Cooper case?
In 1980, a boy found a decaying package containing $5,800 of the ransom money near the Columbia River, but no other significant evidence has been discovered since the hijacking.
Has anyone ever been arrested or charged in connection with the D.B. Cooper case?
No, despite numerous suspects and investigations, no one has ever been arrested or charged in connection with the D.B. Cooper case.
What impact did the D.B. Cooper case have on aviation security?
The D.B. Cooper case led to significant changes in aviation security, including more stringent screening processes and protocols for hijacking situations.
Is the D.B. Cooper case still being investigated?
Yes, the case remains open with the FBI, which officially closed its investigation in 2016 but continues to receive tips and information from the public.
