Newly released FBI files have unveiled fresh insights into the mysterious case of DB Cooper, the man who hijacked a plane in 1971 and parachuted away with over $300,000 in ransom money. Despite a decades-long investigation, no arrests have been made, and Cooper’s fate remains unknown, making it the only unsolved airplane hijacking in US history.
The 398-page case file, now available to the public, includes a wealth of information: hundreds of tips, suspect profiles, and details about a hoax that defrauded a newspaper editor of tens of thousands of dollars. This release offers a deeper look into the enduring mystery that has captivated the public for over half a century.
The Hijacking: A Polite Yet Perilous Act
On November 24, 1971, a man later dubbed “DB Cooper” by the media, boarded Flight 305 to Seattle from Portland International Airport. Witnesses described him as a white male in his mid-40s, wearing a dark suit and black tie, with a black attaché case. The flight, a routine 30-minute trip, took an unexpected turn when Cooper handed a note to a flight attendant, claiming he had a bomb.
Cooper demanded $200,000 in cash, equivalent to approximately $2.4 million today, along with two sets of parachutes. He instructed the plane to land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where the ransom was delivered, and the passengers were released. The plane took off again with Cooper and the crew, heading towards Mexico City.
The Leap into Mystery
As the aircraft flew between Seattle and Reno, Cooper executed his daring escape. He ordered the flight attendants to open the rear staircase, tied the money around his waist, and jumped into the night sky. This marked the end of the hijacking and the beginning of one of the most extensive manhunts in FBI history.
Decades of Investigation
The FBI’s pursuit of DB Cooper has been relentless. The newly declassified files, part of a series released under the Trump administration, reveal the breadth of the investigation. Agents explored various leads, including a man in a wheelchair who was ultimately dismissed as a suspect. The files also detail the FBI’s interactions with individuals who claimed to have information about Cooper.
“It is believed that the hijacker in this case has full use of all of his extremities and witnesses did not tell of any physical disability,” an agent noted in the files.
Despite numerous suspects, including former pilots and skydivers, none matched the artist’s sketch or provided conclusive evidence linking them to the crime.
The Cultural Legacy of DB Cooper
Over the years, the DB Cooper case has transcended its criminal roots to become a cultural phenomenon. By 1972, T-shirts with the phrase “DB Cooper, Where Are You?” were popular across the west coast. The hijacker’s story has inspired books, films, and television references, including a nod in David Lynch’s series “Twin Peaks” and a portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Loki.”
The annual “CooperCon” in Seattle attracts enthusiasts and researchers eager to discuss theories, though none have led to a resolution.
The End of an Official Investigation
In 2016, the FBI officially closed its investigation, marking it as one of the longest cold cases in agency history. The mystery of DB Cooper remains unsolved, with evidence preserved for historical purposes at FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC.
“The mystery surrounding the hijacking of a Northwest Orient Airlines flight in 1971 by a still-unknown individual resulted in significant international attention and a decades-long manhunt,” the FBI stated.
As the case remains shrouded in mystery, it continues to intrigue both the public and law enforcement, leaving many to wonder if the truth will ever come to light.
