# D. B. Cooper

> unidentified man who hijacked an airplane in 1971

**Wikidata**: [Q348970](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q348970)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._B._Cooper)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/d-b-cooper

## Summary
D. B. Cooper is an unidentified man known for hijacking Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 in 1971, during which he extorted $200,000 and parachuted out of the plane, never to be found. His true identity remains a mystery, and the case is one of the most enduring unsolved crimes in American aviation history. The incident led to the creation of the "Cooper vane," a security device to prevent similar hijackings.

## Biography
- **Born**: Unknown  
- **Nationality**: Unknown  
- **Education**: Unknown  
- **Known for**: Hijacking Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 in 1971  
- **Employer(s)**: None documented  
- **Field(s)**: Criminal activity (air piracy)  

## Contributions
- **1971 Hijacking**: Cooper hijacked a Boeing 727 aircraft on November 24, 1971, demanding $200,000, four parachutes, and a flight to Mexico City. He jumped out of the plane at 10,000 feet and was never recovered, despite an extensive FBI investigation (codenamed "Norjak").  
- **Cooper Vane**: The incident directly influenced the development of the "Cooper vane," a mechanical device installed on aircraft to prevent stairwell access during flight, significantly enhancing aviation security protocols.  

## FAQs
- **Q: What is D. B. Cooper’s real name?**  
  A: Cooper’s true identity remains unknown despite thousands of investigative leads. The alias "Dan Cooper" was taken from a 1963 French comic book character.  

- **Q: How did Cooper escape?**  
  A: He parachuted out of the aircraft at 10,000 feet over southwestern Washington state during a storm, leaving behind a cryptic trail of clues, including a torn tie and a ransom bag recovered in 1980.  

- **Q: Why is the case still famous?**  
  A: It is the only unsolved air piracy case in U.S. history, captivating public imagination and inspiring books, films, and conspiracy theories.  

- **Q: What is the Cooper vane?**  
  A: A security device mandated by the FAA in 1972 to prevent unauthorized stairwell deployment on Boeing 727 aircraft, directly inspired by Cooper’s hijacking method.  

## Why They Matter
D. B. Cooper’s audacious crime exposed critical vulnerabilities in aviation security, prompting airlines and regulators to adopt stricter protocols, including the Cooper vane. His case redefined airport security measures and influenced counter-hijacking policies worldwide. Without the 1971 incident, advancements in aircraft safety features and emergency response systems might have been delayed. The mystery of his identity and survival has also cemented his place in popular culture, symbolizing both criminal ingenuity and law enforcement’s limitations.

## Notable For
- First and only successful parachuting escape from a commercial airliner in U.S. history.  
- Inspired the FAA-mandated Cooper vane, a global aviation security standard.  
- Subject of the FBI’s longest-running active investigation (closed in 2016).  
- Alias "D. B. Cooper" derived from a mishearing of "Dan Cooper" during radio transmissions.  
- Ransom money discovered in 1980 along the Columbia River, but no conclusive evidence of survival.  

## Body
### Hijacking Incident  
On November 24, 1971, Cooper boarded Flight 305 in Portland, Oregon, claiming to have a bomb. He demanded $200,000 in cash, four parachutes, and a flight to Mexico City. After releasing all passengers and two flight attendants in Seattle, Cooper forced the remaining crew to take off again. At 8:13 PM, he jumped out of the aircraft’s rear airstair at 10,000 feet near Ariel, Washington. An extensive search by the FBI and local authorities failed to locate him.  

### The Cooper Vane  
The hijacking revealed a flaw in Boeing 727 aircraft design: the rear airstair could be opened in-flight. In response, the FAA mandated the installation of the "Cooper vane," a mechanical device to prevent stairwell deployment unless the aircraft was on the ground. This innovation became a global aviation security standard.  

### Legacy and Cultural Impact  
Cooper’s case remains a cultural touchstone, with annual festivals in Ariel, Washington, and references in media such as *The Simpsons* and *Twin Peaks*. The FBI officially closed the investigation in 2016 but released all case files to the public, fueling ongoing speculation. Despite DNA analysis and citizen sleuthing, no suspect has been confirmed, leaving the mystery intact over 50 years later.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/db-cooper-hijacking)
3. BBC Things
4. Library of Congress Control Number
5. Quora