The Mystery of D. B. Cooper – America’s Most Famous Unsolved Skyjacking Case
Introduction
On the afternoon of November 24, 1971, an unidentified man, later known as D. B. Cooper, committed one of the most mysterious crimes in U.S. history. He hijacked a commercial airliner, extorted $200,000 in ransom, and then parachuted into the wilderness—never to be seen again. More than 50 years later, the case remains unsolved, making it one of the greatest mysteries in American criminal history. 
The Skyjacking
D. B. Cooper purchased a one-way ticket for Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington, under the name Dan Cooper (the “D. B.” originated from a media error). He boarded the Boeing 727 wearing a dark suit, sunglasses, and a black tie.
During the flight, he handed a note to a flight attendant stating he had a bomb in his briefcase. Cooper demanded:
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$200,000 in cash
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Four parachutes
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A fuel truck on standby in Seattle
The airline complied, delivering the ransom when the plane landed in Seattle.
The Escape
After receiving the money and parachutes, Cooper released the passengers but kept some crew members. He ordered the pilots to fly toward Mexico City at a low altitude and slow speed. Somewhere over southwestern Washington, in the dark and rainy night, Cooper lowered the rear stairway and jumped—disappearing into history.
The Investigation
The FBI launched “NORJAK” (Northwest Hijacking), one of the most extensive manhunts in U.S. history. Thousands of suspects were investigated, but no conclusive evidence emerged. Despite aerial searches, ground patrols, and river dredging, Cooper was never found.
In 1980, a boy camping near the Columbia River discovered $5,800 in decayed $20 bills, matching Cooper’s ransom serial numbers. This fueled theories but provided no definitive answers.
Theories and Suspects
Over the decades, many theories emerged:
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Cooper Survived – He landed safely and disappeared into a new life.
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Cooper Died in the Jump – Harsh weather, rough terrain, and poor visibility may have killed him.
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Copycat or False Identity – Cooper may have been someone with military or parachuting experience, using a fake name.
Suspects included former paratroopers, ex-convicts, and even amateur adventurers, but none were proven to be D. B. Cooper.
Cultural Impact
D. B. Cooper became a legend in American pop culture:
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Referenced in films, TV shows, and books.
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Inspired songs and documentaries.
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Annual “D. B. Cooper Days” festival in Ariel, Washington.
The mystery has fueled endless speculation, turning Cooper into a symbol of rebellion and cleverness.
Case Closure
In July 2016, the FBI officially closed the active investigation into D. B. Cooper, stating that all credible leads had been exhausted. However, they encouraged the public to submit any new evidence.
Conclusion
The story of D. B. Cooper is a blend of fact, mystery, and legend. Whether he survived or perished remains unknown, but his daring escape continues to fascinate historians, investigators, and conspiracy theorists. Until undeniable evidence emerges, the mystery of D. B. Cooper will live on as one of America’s most captivating unsolved crimes.
Keywords: D. B. Cooper, DB Cooper mystery, DB Cooper hijacking, DB Cooper case, Northwest Orient Flight 305, DB Cooper parachute, FBI unsolved cases, famous unsolved crimes, DB Cooper theories, DB Cooper ransom money.
Tags: #DBCooper #UnsolvedMystery #FBI #Skyjacking #AviationHistory #TrueCrime #Mystery #ColdCase #USHistory #Legend
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