Who is D.B. Cooper: The story of D.B. Cooper, the enigmatic hijacker who disappeared with $200,000 in ransom money in 1971, continues to captivate investigators and enthusiasts alike.
Decades later, a new clue—a parachute—has reignited the FBI’s interest in solving this infamous case. Could this be the breakthrough needed to unravel one of aviation history’s most enduring mysteries?
Who is D.B. Cooper?
D.B. Cooper, often described as calm and calculated, was a man whose true identity remains unknown. On November 24, 1971, he boarded a Northwest Orient Airlines flight from Portland to Seattle, presenting himself as “Dan Cooper.” This pseudonym, misinterpreted as “D.B. Cooper” by the media, became the name associated with the case.
While on the flight, Cooper handed a note to a flight attendant claiming he had a bomb. Calmly but firmly, he demanded $200,000 in cash, four parachutes, and a fuel refill for the plane. The crew complied, ensuring the safety of the passengers, who were unaware of the gravity of the situation.
After receiving his ransom and parachutes in Seattle, Cooper ordered the plane to take off again, this time heading for Mexico City. Somewhere over the rugged terrain of the Pacific Northwest, he lowered the rear staircase and parachuted into the night, leaving behind a trail of questions and intrigue.
The Hijacking: What Happened That Night
The events of November 24, 1971, unfolded like a thriller novel. Cooper’s request for specific items—especially four parachutes—suggested he had meticulously planned the hijacking. Investigators believed he requested multiple parachutes to imply he might take a hostage, ensuring no tampering with the equipment.
As the Boeing 727 soared over Washington state, Cooper took the money, strapped on a parachute, and leaped from the aircraft. At the time, airport security was lax, and there were no cameras or stringent checks. Authorities could not pinpoint the exact moment he jumped, complicating efforts to identify his landing zone.
Why Was the D.B. Cooper Case Reopened?
The FBI officially closed the case in 2016, citing a lack of fresh leads. However, recent developments have sparked renewed interest. A parachute, potentially linked to Cooper, was discovered on property belonging to the family of Richard Floyd McCoy II, a former suspect.
McCoy was arrested for a similar hijacking just months after Cooper’s daring escape. Though he was convicted, some believe he could have been Cooper himself or had connections to him.
The parachute discovery was made by Dan Gryder, a YouTube investigator who has spent over 20 years studying the case. Gryder’s findings, shared in a series of videos, convinced the FBI to revisit the mystery.
The Suspects: A List That Keeps Growing
The FBI’s original investigation involved over 800 suspects, yet none could be definitively identified as Cooper. Among the most notable suspects were:
- Richard Floyd McCoy II: A skilled pilot and military veteran, McCoy bore similarities to the description of Cooper and conducted a similar hijacking.
- Robert Rackstraw: A Vietnam War veteran and paratrooper with a history of legal troubles, Rackstraw’s military background and cryptic statements made him a compelling suspect.
- Kenneth Christiansen: A flight attendant with experience on Northwest Airlines and a reported affinity for parachuting, Christiansen was identified as a suspect based on circumstantial evidence.
Despite countless theories, no definitive proof has linked any suspect to the case.
How Much Did Cooper Steal?
Cooper demanded and received $200,000 in $20 bills. At the time, this amount was a significant sum, equivalent to roughly $1.5 million today. Investigators meticulously recorded the serial numbers of the cash, but little of it has ever been recovered.
In 1980, a young boy discovered a portion of the ransom money along the Columbia River in Washington. The find raised new questions about Cooper’s fate. Did he survive the jump? Did he bury the money as part of a diversion? The answers remain elusive.
Could the New Evidence Crack the Case?
The discovery of the parachute raises hope for fresh breakthroughs in the investigation. Forensic analysis could potentially link the parachute to Cooper or disprove its connection entirely. If DNA, fingerprints, or other evidence are found, they could offer conclusive insights into the hijacker’s identity.
Dan Gryder, whose efforts led to this find, believes the case is solvable. His dedication has inspired a new generation of amateur sleuths who aim to answer the question: Who was D.B. Cooper?
The Legacy of D.B. Cooper
More than 50 years later, D.B. Cooper has become a cultural icon. Books, documentaries, and films have immortalized his daring escape and mystique. Some see him as a folk hero who outwitted authorities; others view him as a criminal who endangered lives.
For the FBI and aviation historians, the case is a reminder of the vulnerabilities of early airline security and the lengths to which individuals can go to defy the odds.
