Mystery of Flight 305

The Hijacking Event

On November 24, 1971, an individual known as Dan Cooper boarded Northwest Airlines Flight 305, embarking on a hijacking that would etch his name into the annals of unsolved mysteries. Cooper's actions were deliberate and calculated. After informing a flight attendant of a bomb in his briefcase, he demanded a ransom of $200,000, four parachutes, and a fuel truck in Seattle to facilitate his escape. This meticulously planned operation culminated when Cooper parachuted into the night over southwestern Washington, leaving behind a trail of speculation and intrigue.

Uncovered Evidence

The evidence discovered in the wake of Cooper's disappearance is both minimal and enigmatic. A placard detailing the operation of a Boeing 727's aft stairs, found years later, suggested a calculated escape. More perplexing was the 1980 discovery of $5,800 of the ransom money by a young boy on the Columbia River's banks, far from the presumed drop zone. These clues, while intriguing, have yet to yield conclusive insights into Cooper's fate or whereabouts, maintaining the case's status as an enduring mystery.

Possible Identities and Fates

The identity and fate of D.B. Cooper remain subjects of intense speculation and investigation. Theories range from Cooper surviving his audacious leap and living incognito, to succumbing to the elements or injuries from the jump. Debates also explore the possibility of Cooper being a seasoned criminal, contrasting with speculations of him being an average individual driven to an act of desperation. Despite various investigations and the passage of time, the true identity and outcome for Cooper remain unresolved, compelling ongoing interest and debate.

1971-11-24: The Hijacking

1971-11-24: The Ransom

1971-11-24: The Parachute Escape

1971-11-25: The Manhunt Begins

1971-12-11: Composite Sketches Distributed

1972-01: FBI Considers Cooper's Survival

1978-03-20: Placard Found

1980-02-10: Ransom Money Found

1986: Ransom Serial Numbers Released

2007-11-01: Partial DNA Profile Obtained

2016-07-12: FBI Closes Investigation