The DB Cooper Case: Unraveling America’s Most Enduring Aviation Mystery
The DB Cooper case is one of the most intriguing unsolved crimes in American history. On November 24, 1971, a man known as Dan Cooper hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, demanding $200,000 in cash and four parachutes. After releasing 36 passengers in Seattle, Cooper jumped out of the plane over the Pacific Northwest, never to be seen again.
The Investigation
The FBI launched an exhaustive investigation, codenaming the case “NORJAK” (Northwest Hijacking). They pursued numerous leads, including professional skydivers, military personnel, and individuals with aviation expertise. Despite investigating several suspects, none were definitively linked to the crime.
New Developments
In 2023, siblings Chanté and Rick McCoy III came forward with claims that their late father, Richard McCoy Jr., was the infamous hijacker. They revealed a parachute that matched the rig prepared by skydiving expert Earl Cossey, who had modified the parachutes for Cooper. The FBI reportedly collected evidence, searched their mother’s home, and obtained a DNA sample from Rick.
Theories and Speculations
The DB Cooper case has sparked numerous theories and speculations over the years. Some believe Cooper survived the jump and started a new life, while others think he may have died in the attempt. The case has also been linked to other crimes, including a similar hijacking attempt by a man named Richard McCoy Jr. in 1972.
Key Facts and Figures
Date: November 24, 1971
Flight: Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305
Ransom: $200,000 in cash (equivalent to around $1.54 million today)
Parachutes: Four parachutes were demanded by Cooper
Jump Location: Somewhere over the Pacific Northwest, between Seattle and Reno, Nevada
Investigation: FBI investigation codenamed “NORJAK” (Northwest Hijacking)
Related Keywords:
DB Cooper
NORJAK
Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305
Richard McCoy Jr.
Skyjacking
Parachuting
Aviation Mystery
Unsolved Crime
FBI Investigation