Have you ever heard the name D.B. Cooper? He's a man who hijacked a plane in 1971, stole $200,000 (worth about $1.3 million today), and then parachuted out of the plane, never to be seen again. His crime became one of the most famous unsolved mysteries in American history.
Cooper's hijacking was meticulously planned and executed. He boarded a Boeing 727 aircraft in Portland, Oregon, on Thanksgiving Eve, 1971. He carried a briefcase filled with explosives and a note demanding four parachutes and $200,000 in cash.
Once the plane took off, Cooper handed the note to a flight attendant, who alerted the authorities. The plane landed in Seattle, Washington, where Cooper collected his ransom and released the passengers.
Who is D.B. Cooper?
D.B. Cooper is an infamous airplane hijacker who:
- Hijacked a plane in 1971
- Demanded $200,000 ransom
- Parachuted out of the plane
- Never caught
- Still a mystery
- Inspired books and movies
- Pop culture icon
- FBI's longest-running fugitive case
- Estimated to be in his 40s at the time
- Described as clean-shaven, wearing a business suit and tie
Despite extensive investigations and numerous leads, D.B. Cooper's true identity and fate remain a mystery.
Hijacked a plane in 1971
On November 24, 1971, a man using the alias "Dan Cooper" boarded Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 in Portland, Oregon, bound for Seattle, Washington. He carried a briefcase filled with explosives and a note demanding four parachutes and $200,000 in cash.
After takeoff, Cooper handed the note to a flight attendant, who alerted the authorities. The plane landed in Seattle, where Cooper collected his ransom and released the passengers, keeping a few crew members on board.
Cooper then ordered the pilots to take off again and fly towards Mexico City. However, he eventually instructed them to land the plane somewhere in southwestern Washington state, where he parachuted out of the plane with the ransom money.
Despite an extensive search, Cooper was never found. The FBI's investigation into the hijacking is the longest-running fugitive case in its history.
The D.B. Cooper hijacking remains one of the most famous unsolved mysteries in American history. It has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and movies, and has captured the public's imagination for decades.
Demanded $200,000 ransom
D.B. Cooper's ransom demand was carefully calculated. He knew that $200,000 was a large enough amount of money to be worth the risk, but not so large that it would be impossible for the airline to raise in a short period of time.
Cooper also specified that he wanted the money in $20 bills, which were the largest denomination available at the time. This made it easier for him to carry and conceal the ransom.
Cooper's note also included a number of specific instructions for the airline. He demanded four parachutes, two front and two rear, as well as a portable oxygen tank. He also specified that the plane should be refueled before takeoff.
The airline complied with Cooper's demands, and he was given the money and parachutes. He then released the passengers and took off with the remaining crew members.
Cooper's ransom demand has been the subject of much speculation over the years. Some experts believe that he may have been a professional thief or hijacker who had carefully planned the crime. Others believe that he was simply a desperate man who saw the hijacking as a way to get a large sum of money.
Parachuted out of the plane
After collecting his ransom money, D.B. Cooper ordered the pilots to fly towards Mexico City. However, he eventually instructed them to land the plane somewhere in southwestern Washington state.
- Cooper donned a parachute and prepared to jump.
He gave the pilots instructions on how to fly the plane after he was gone, and he warned them not to attempt to follow him.
- Cooper jumped out of the plane at approximately 8:00 p.m.
He was carrying a briefcase containing the ransom money and a parachute. The weather conditions were poor, and it was raining heavily at the time.
- Cooper's fate remains a mystery.
He was never found, and the ransom money was never recovered. Despite extensive searches, no trace of him has ever been found.
- There have been numerous theories about what happened to Cooper.
Some believe that he successfully parachuted to safety and disappeared into hiding. Others believe that he died in the jump or was killed by the FBI. Still others believe that he was captured by a foreign government and held prisoner.
The D.B. Cooper skydiving is one of the most daring and mysterious crimes in history. It has captured the public's imagination for decades, and it continues to be a source of fascination for true crime enthusiasts.
Never caught
Despite one of the most intensive manhunts in FBI history, D.B. Cooper was never caught.
- The FBI investigated thousands of leads and conducted numerous searches.
They interviewed hundreds of people and followed up on every possible sighting. However, Cooper seemed to have vanished without a trace.
- The FBI's investigation into the hijacking is the longest-running fugitive case in its history.
It has been more than 50 years since Cooper hijacked the plane, and the case remains unsolved.
- There have been numerous theories about why Cooper was never caught.
Some believe that he had help from an accomplice or that he was part of a larger criminal organization. Others believe that he was simply too clever for the FBI.
- Whatever the reason, Cooper's escape remains one of the most baffling unsolved mysteries in American history.
It is a reminder that even the most carefully planned crimes can go awry, and that sometimes the criminals can get away with it.
The D.B. Cooper case continues to fascinate people to this day. It is a story of daring, mystery, and intrigue. It is a story that will likely never be fully solved.
Still a mystery
More than 50 years after the hijacking, D.B. Cooper's true identity and fate remain a mystery. Despite extensive investigations and numerous leads, the FBI has never been able to solve the case.
- There are many theories about what happened to Cooper after he jumped out of the plane.
Some believe that he successfully parachuted to safety and disappeared into hiding. Others believe that he died in the jump or was killed by the FBI. Still others believe that he was captured by a foreign government and held prisoner.
- The FBI has received thousands of tips over the years, but none of them have led to Cooper's capture.
In 2016, the FBI announced that it was renewing its investigation into the case. However, it is unclear whether this will lead to any new breakthroughs.
- The D.B. Cooper case is one of the most enduring mysteries in American history.
It has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and movies. It continues to fascinate people to this day.
- Why is the D.B. Cooper case still a mystery?
There are a number of reasons why the D.B. Cooper case remains unsolved. First, Cooper was very careful in his planning and execution of the hijacking. He left very little evidence behind. Second, the weather conditions on the night of the hijacking were poor, which made it difficult for witnesses to see what happened. Third, Cooper disappeared into a vast and rugged wilderness area, which made it easy for him to hide.
Despite the challenges, the FBI continues to investigate the D.B. Cooper case. They hope that one day they will finally be able to solve the mystery and bring Cooper to justice.
Inspired books and movies
The D.B. Cooper hijacking has inspired numerous books, movies, and television shows. Some of the most notable include:
- The D.B. Cooper Story (1981 film): This film, starring Treat Williams as Cooper, tells the story of the hijacking and Cooper's subsequent disappearance.
- The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper (1981 book): This book by Robert J. Dvorchak is a comprehensive account of the hijacking and the FBI's investigation.
- D.B. Cooper: Where Are You?! (1990 television show): This show featured reenactments of the hijacking and interviews with people who were involved in the case.
- The Fall of D.B. Cooper (2016 book): This book by Geoffrey Gray claims to solve the mystery of Cooper's identity and fate.
These are just a few examples of the many works of popular culture that have been inspired by the D.B. Cooper hijacking. The story continues to fascinate people to this day, and it is likely that we will continue to see new books, movies, and television shows about Cooper in the years to come.
The D.B. Cooper hijacking has also inspired a number of works of fiction. These works often take the basic facts of the case and use them as a starting point for a more elaborate story. For example, the novel "The Terminal Man" by Michael Crichton features a character who is a D.B. Cooper copycat.
The D.B. Cooper hijacking is a story that has captured the public's imagination for decades. It is a story of daring, mystery, and intrigue. It is a story that will likely continue to inspire books, movies, and television shows for many years to come.
Pop culture icon
D.B. Cooper has become a pop culture icon. His name and image have been referenced in numerous works of popular culture, including:
- The Simpsons: In the episode "Bart the Daredevil," Bart Simpson tries to hijack a plane and demands a ransom of $100,000. He is eventually caught and arrested.
- Family Guy: In the episode "The Splendid Source," Peter Griffin dresses up as D.B. Cooper and tries to hijack a plane. He is also caught and arrested.
- The Big Bang Theory: In the episode "The Cooper-Hofstadter Polarization," Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter discuss the D.B. Cooper case. Sheldon is convinced that Cooper is still alive and living in hiding.
- The Colbert Report: In a 2009 segment, Stephen Colbert joked about the D.B. Cooper case and suggested that Cooper was actually a time traveler from the future.
These are just a few examples of the many times that D.B. Cooper has been referenced in popular culture. His story continues to fascinate people to this day, and it is likely that we will continue to see him referenced in popular culture for many years to come.
FBI's longest-running fugitive case
The D.B. Cooper hijacking is the FBI's longest-running fugitive case. It has been more than 50 years since Cooper hijacked the plane and disappeared, and the FBI has still not been able to catch him.
The FBI has investigated thousands of leads over the years, but none of them have led to Cooper's capture. The FBI has also conducted numerous searches, but they have never been able to find any trace of Cooper or the ransom money.
The FBI continues to investigate the case, but it is unclear whether they will ever be able to solve it. The case is a reminder that even the most carefully planned crimes can go awry, and that sometimes the criminals can get away with it.
There are a number of reasons why the D.B. Cooper case remains unsolved. First, Cooper was very careful in his planning and execution of the hijacking. He left very little evidence behind. Second, the weather conditions on the night of the hijacking were poor, which made it difficult for witnesses to see what happened. Third, Cooper disappeared into a vast and rugged wilderness area, which made it easy for him to hide.
Despite the challenges, the FBI continues to investigate the D.B. Cooper case. They hope that one day they will finally be able to solve the mystery and bring Cooper to justice.
Estimated to be in his 40s at the time
Witnesses described D.B. Cooper as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, with dark hair and a mustache. He was estimated to be in his 40s at the time of the hijacking.
This description is based on eyewitness accounts and the FBI's analysis of the evidence. However, it is important to note that Cooper was wearing a disguise during the hijacking. He was wearing a black wig, sunglasses, and a fake mustache. He also changed his clothes after the hijacking.
As a result, it is possible that Cooper's true appearance is different from the description that the FBI has released. This makes it difficult for the FBI to identify and apprehend him.
The FBI has released a number of sketches of Cooper over the years. These sketches are based on eyewitness accounts and the FBI's analysis of the evidence. However, none of the sketches have led to Cooper's capture.
The FBI continues to investigate the D.B. Cooper case. They hope that one day they will finally be able to solve the mystery and bring Cooper to justice.
Described as clean-shaven, wearing a business suit and tie
Witnesses described D.B. Cooper as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, with dark hair and a mustache. He was estimated to be in his 40s at the time of the hijacking. Cooper was also described as being clean-shaven and wearing a business suit and tie.
- Cooper's appearance was unusual for a hijacker.
Most hijackers at the time were young, male, and dressed in casual clothing. Cooper's clean-shaven appearance and business suit made him stand out from the crowd.
- Cooper's appearance may have helped him to evade capture.
The FBI initially released sketches of Cooper that depicted him with a mustache. However, some witnesses later said that Cooper did not have a mustache at the time of the hijacking. This discrepancy may have made it more difficult for the FBI to identify Cooper.
- Cooper's appearance has been the subject of much speculation over the years.
Some people believe that Cooper's clean-shaven appearance and business suit were a disguise. Others believe that Cooper was a businessman who hijacked the plane for financial gain. Still others believe that Cooper was a government agent or a member of a terrorist organization.
- Despite the speculation, Cooper's true identity and motive remain a mystery.
The FBI continues to investigate the case, and they hope that one day they will finally be able to solve it.
The D.B. Cooper case is one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. It is a story of daring, mystery, and intrigue. It is a story that will likely continue to fascinate people for many years to come.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about D.B. Cooper:
Question 1: Who is D.B. Cooper?
Answer: D.B. Cooper is a man who hijacked a plane in 1971, stole $200,000, and then parachuted out of the plane, never to be seen again.
Question 2: Why is D.B. Cooper's case still a mystery?
Answer: Cooper was very careful in his planning and execution of the hijacking. He left very little evidence behind. The weather conditions on the night of the hijacking were also poor, which made it difficult for witnesses to see what happened. Cooper disappeared into a vast and rugged wilderness area, which made it easy for him to hide.
Question 3: What is the FBI doing to solve the case?
Answer: The FBI continues to investigate the case. They have interviewed thousands of witnesses and followed up on every possible lead. In 2016, the FBI announced that it was renewing its investigation into the case.
Question 4: What are some of the theories about what happened to Cooper?
Answer: There are many theories about what happened to Cooper after he jumped out of the plane. Some believe that he successfully parachuted to safety and disappeared into hiding. Others believe that he died in the jump or was killed by the FBI. Still others believe that he was captured by a foreign government and held prisoner.
Question 5: Has anyone ever been arrested in connection with the case?
Answer: No, no one has ever been arrested in connection with the D.B. Cooper case.
Question 6: Why is the D.B. Cooper case so fascinating?
Answer: The D.B. Cooper case is fascinating because it is a story of daring, mystery, and intrigue. It is a story that has captured the public's imagination for decades. It is also a reminder that even the most carefully planned crimes can go awry, and that sometimes the criminals can get away with it.
Question 7: Are there any books or movies about D.B. Cooper?
Answer: Yes, there are a number of books and movies about D.B. Cooper. Some of the most notable include the film "The D.B. Cooper Story" (1981), the book "The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper" (1981), and the documentary "The Mystery of D.B. Cooper" (2016).
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
The D.B. Cooper case remains one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. It is a story that continues to fascinate people to this day. Who was D.B. Cooper? What happened to him after he jumped out of the plane? These are questions that we may never know the answers to.
Despite the mystery, the FBI continues to investigate the case. They hope that one day they will finally be able to solve it and bring Cooper to justice.
Tips
Here are a few tips for anyone who is interested in learning more about D.B. Cooper:
Tip 1: Read books and articles about the case.
There are a number of books and articles that have been written about the D.B. Cooper case. These books and articles provide a wealth of information about the hijacking, the investigation, and the theories about what happened to Cooper.
Tip 2: Watch documentaries and movies about the case.
There are also a number of documentaries and movies that have been made about the D.B. Cooper case. These documentaries and movies provide a visual representation of the events of the hijacking and the investigation. They also offer different perspectives on the case.
Tip 3: Visit the D.B. Cooper museum in Washington state.
The D.B. Cooper museum is located in Yacolt, Washington, which is near the area where Cooper is believed to have parachuted out of the plane. The museum contains a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the case. It is a great place to learn more about the hijacking and the investigation.
Tip 4: Follow the FBI's investigation on social media.
The FBI continues to investigate the D.B. Cooper case. You can follow the FBI's investigation on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the case.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
The D.B. Cooper case is a fascinating story of daring, mystery, and intrigue. If you are interested in learning more about the case, there are a number of resources available to you. You can read books and articles, watch documentaries and movies, visit the D.B. Cooper museum, and follow the FBI's investigation on social media.
Who was D.B. Cooper? What happened to him after he jumped out of the plane? These are questions that we may never know the answers to. However, by following these tips, you can learn more about the case and come to your own conclusions.
Conclusion
D.B. Cooper is one of the most famous criminals in American history. His hijacking of a plane in 1971 and subsequent disappearance have captured the public's imagination for decades.
Despite extensive investigations and numerous leads, the FBI has never been able to catch Cooper. The case remains unsolved, and Cooper's true identity and fate remain a mystery.
There are many theories about what happened to Cooper after he jumped out of the plane. Some believe that he successfully parachuted to safety and disappeared into hiding. Others believe that he died in the jump or was killed by the FBI. Still others believe that he was captured by a foreign government and held prisoner.
Whatever happened to Cooper, his story is a reminder that even the most carefully planned crimes can go awry. It is also a reminder that sometimes the criminals can get away with it.
Closing Message:
The D.B. Cooper case is a fascinating story of daring, mystery, and intrigue. It is a story that will likely continue to fascinate people for many years to come. Who was D.B. Cooper? What happened to him after he jumped out of the plane? These are questions that we may never know the answers to. However, the mystery of D.B. Cooper is part of what makes the story so compelling.