What is documented
On 24 November 1971, a passenger using the name Dan Cooper hijacked Northwest Orient Flight 305 between Portland and Seattle. After claiming to have a bomb, he demanded $200,000, four parachutes, and the release of the passengers. [1]
The aircraft departed Seattle with a reduced crew, and Cooper later parachuted into the night somewhere over the Pacific Northwest. A small portion of the ransom was found in 1980, but Cooper’s identity and fate have never been established. [2]
Essential facts
- Who
- An unidentified man who bought a ticket under the name Dan Cooper; the press later popularized the name D. B. Cooper.
- What
- Aircraft hijacking, ransom demand, and an unresolved disappearance.
- Where
- The flight originated in Portland, Oregon; the jump occurred somewhere over the Pacific Northwest.
- When
- 24 November 1971.
- How
- After claiming to have a bomb, the hijacker demanded $200,000 and parachutes, released passengers in Seattle, and exited the aircraft in flight.
Record history
Source reviewThe current summary, status, and citations were reviewed by the editorial desk.