DB Cooper, a mysterious figure who hijacked a Northwest Orient Airlines flight in 1971, remains one of the most elusive criminals in American history. His daring escape with a large sum of money has captivated the public imagination for decades, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.
Key points
The Hijacking
On November 24, 1971, a man identifying himself as DB Cooper boarded Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 311 from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington. Shortly after takeoff, Cooper informed the flight attendants that he had a bomb in his briefcase and demanded $200,000 in cash and two parachutes.
The Ransom and Escape
The plane was diverted to Reno, Nevada, where the ransom was delivered. Cooper then ordered the plane to fly to Mexico City. However, during the flight, Cooper parachuted out of the plane over the Columbia River Gorge.
The Search and Disappearance
Despite an extensive search, authorities were unable to locate Cooper or the stolen money. Numerous theories have been proposed over the years, but none have been definitively proven.
Theories About DB Cooper
- Identity: Some believe that DB Cooper was a former military officer or law enforcement official with knowledge of aviation and survival techniques.
- Fate: Theories about Cooper’s fate range from death to a successful escape and a new life.
- The Money: The whereabouts of the stolen money remain a mystery. Some believe it may have been buried or hidden, while others speculate that it was spent or lost.
The 1971 hijacking of Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 by DB Cooper remains one of the most captivating unsolved mysteries in American history. With the hijacker’s fate and true identity shrouded in secrecy, numerous theories have emerged over the years, each adding a new layer of intrigue to the case.
A Look at the Suspects
- Richard Lepsy: Michigan author Ross Richardson proposed a connection between DB Cooper and Richard Lepsy, a missing person case from 1969. Lepsy’s family reportedly saw a resemblance to the Cooper sketch, and there were similarities in clothing choices. However, the lack of concrete evidence makes this a questionable lead.
- Robert Henry Rackstraw: Filmmaker Thomas Colbert believes Cooper is actually Vietnam veteran Robert Rackstraw. This theory hinges on circumstantial evidence gathered by Colbert’s team, but it hasn’t been definitively proven.
- Don Draper (Mad Men): A more outlandish theory emerged from fans of the TV show “Mad Men.” Some viewers speculated that the show’s protagonist, Don Draper, transformed into DB Cooper. The show’s creator, Matthew Weiner, debunked this theory.
- Lynn Doyle Cooper: Marla Cooper claimed her uncle, L.D. Cooper, was the hijacker. She cited a Thanksgiving visit in 1971 where L.D. appeared injured and later vanished. The FBI reportedly considered this a promising lead, but further details haven’t been released.
While these theories have garnered attention, the lack of conclusive evidence keeps the mystery alive. The FBI continues to investigate the case, with the hope that new information or a breakthrough in forensic technology might finally reveal the true identity of DB Cooper and what became of him.
The case of DB Cooper remains one of the most famous unsolved mysteries in American history. His daring escape and the enduring questions surrounding his identity and fate have captivated the public imagination for generations.
