The Mysterious Case of D.B. Cooper: Unraveling the Hijacking and Parachute Jump

By Dr. Emily Carter, Aviation Case Historian

On a chilly November afternoon in 1971, an unidentified and audacious man became infamous for eluding law enforcement in one of the most daring heists in U.S. aviation history. Known only by the pseudonym D.B. Cooper, this mysterious individual hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, demanded a hefty ransom, and vanished into the night after parachuting from the plane. Over five decades later, his true identity and fate remain a captivating enigma in both criminal history and popular culture.

The Hijacking

On November 24, 1971, a man dressed in a black business suit boarded Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 in Portland, Oregon. He introduced himself as Dan Cooper, purchasing a one-way ticket to Seattle, Washington. Soon after takeoff, Cooper handed a note to a flight attendant, stating he had a bomb in his briefcase. To demonstrate his seriousness, he opened the case, showing wires and red sticks to resemble explosives.

Cooper calmly outlined his demands: $200,000 in cash, four parachutes, and a fuel truck ready to refuel the aircraft upon arrival in Seattle. Despite the tense nature of the situation, witnesses described Cooper as polite, calm, and methodical. He even paid for a drink and tipped generously during the hijacking. Upon landing in Seattle, authorities met his demands, discreetly delivering the money and parachutes while freeing the 36 passengers on board. Only Cooper and the crew remained as the plane took off again, heading toward Mexico City at his request.

The Parachute Jump

Shortly after the plane resumed flight, D.B. Cooper made a bold request—he wanted the plane flown at a low altitude, with the landing gear down and the rear door open. Carrying the ransom money, Cooper meticulously selected two parachutes (which investigators confirmed were civilian models) and fitted himself with one before instructing the crew to stay in the cockpit.

Somewhere over the rugged, forested region of southwestern Washington state, near the Lewis River, Cooper leapt out of the plane into the cold, rainy night. Weather conditions were treacherous, with strong winds and near-freezing temperatures. The plane continued on its flight without him, leaving investigators baffled as to where he landed—or whether he survived the perilous jump at all.

The Investigation

The FBI promptly launched an exhaustive investigation, naming their operation “NORJAK” (short for Northwest Hijacking). Agents scoured the suspected landing zone on foot and by air but found no sign of Cooper or the ransom money. Evidence recovered from the plane included over 60 fingerprints, a black clip-on tie, a tie clasp, and cigarette butts, though none pointed concretely to his identity.

A breakthrough occurred in 1980, nearly a decade later, when a young boy discovered a deteriorating stack of bills along the Columbia River. The serial numbers matched the ransom money, raising new questions about Cooper’s fate. Was this money deliberately buried? Did it wash ashore after being discarded? Or did it indicate that Cooper perished during the jump? Despite this tantalizing clue, no further evidence emerged to confirm Cooper’s identity or whereabouts.

Theories and Controversies

Over the years, theories about who D.B. Cooper was and what became of him have been abundant. Some argued that his knowledge of aviation and his ability to plan such a hijacking hinted at a military background. Others suggested he may have lived an unassuming life post-crime, successfully evading law enforcement until his death.

On the other hand, many investigators and experts believe Cooper did not survive the jump. The harsh weather, lack of specialized skydiving equipment, and challenging terrain made survival improbable. Without proper footwear, survival gear, or a clear understanding of the landing zone, even a trained parachutist would have struggled.

Legacy

The D.B. Cooper case remains one of the most captivating unsolved mysteries in U.S. history. Over the years, hundreds of people have claimed to know Cooper’s identity, but none of these leads have proven fruitful. Cooper’s bold heist entered the realm of pop culture, inspiring books, movies, music, and even conspiracy theories. From documentaries like those cataloging ongoing searches for clues to fictionalized depictions, the story continues to fascinate.

Even with the case officially closed by the FBI in July 2016, curiosity about Cooper endures. The unanswered questions surrounding his identity, motivations, and ultimate fate ensure his place in American folklore as the outlaw who defied the odds and vanished into thin air.

Final Thoughts

The legend of D.B. Cooper reminds us of just how enduring mysteries can captivate human imagination. Was he a criminal mastermind or simply an opportunist with more luck than skill? Had he survived, what became of him after his jump? Until conclusive evidence surfaces, these questions will remain unanswered, continuing to fuel speculation and wonder for generations to come.

To dive deeper into the details of the D.B. Cooper mystery, visit the Encyclopedia Britannica profile of D.B. Cooper or explore the Crime Museum's collection of theories and evidence.