D.B. Cooper Mystery
D.B. Cooper is an alias for the unidentified man who hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 in 1971, extorted $200,000, and parachuted into obscurity, sparking one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in FBI history.
The Hijacking Incident
On November 24, 1971, a man using the name Dan Cooper boarded Flight 305 to Seattle. Mid-flight, he revealed a bomb and demanded parachutes and cash. Once his demands were met, he parachuted from the plane's aft stairs.
Skydiving Skills Debated
Speculation abounds regarding Cooper's skydiving proficiency. The stormy night jump, with a business suit and loafers, suggests he wasn't an expert. Yet, his calm demeanor and clear instructions indicate some parachuting knowledge.
FBI Investigation Challenges
The FBI faced numerous challenges: Cooper's nondescript appearance, a massive search area, and the sheer volume of leads. Over 1,000 suspects were considered, yet none matched Cooper perfectly, leaving the case cold.
The Money Trail
In 1980, a boy found $5,800 of the ransom money decaying along the Columbia River. The serial numbers matched those given to Cooper, providing a tantalizing clue but also deepening the mystery of his fate.
Enduring Cultural Impact
Cooper's legend has permeated pop culture, inspiring books, films, and songs. He's often depicted as an anti-hero, a symbol of rebellion against the establishment, and the embodiment of the perfect unsolved crime.
Case Closed
The FBI officially closed the Cooper case in 2016, after 45 years. Despite advanced investigation techniques and extensive media coverage, D.B. Cooper's identity and fate remain an enigma.
What alias did the hijacker use?
Dan Cooper
D.B. Cooper
John Doe
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