On November 24th, 1971, Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 became the center of attention when it was hijacked by an unidentified man known as D.B. Cooper. This event would go on to become one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries in FBI history.
The hijacking took place as the plane was en route from Portland, Oregon to Seattle, Washington. Cooper, who had purchased a one-way ticket under the alias Dan Cooper, handed a note to a flight attendant claiming to have a bomb. He demanded $200,000 in cash and four parachutes in exchange for the safety of the passengers and crew.
After the plane landed in Seattle, the ransom was delivered to Cooper in exchange for the passengers’ release. Cooper then ordered the plane to take off again, heading towards Mexico City. During the flight, he parachuted from the aircraft, disappearing into the night and leaving behind a trail of questions and speculation.
Despite an extensive search operation, Cooper was never found, and his true identity remains a mystery. Over the years, numerous theories and suspects have emerged, but none have been definitively proven to be the elusive hijacker.
The case of the Northwest Orient Airline 305 hijacking has captivated the public’s imagination for decades. The daring nature of the crime, coupled with the mysterious disappearance of Cooper, has led to countless books, documentaries, and investigations.
While the case remains unsolved, the FBI has continued to pursue leads and examine evidence in the hopes of one day uncovering the truth behind the hijacking. The agency has even offered a reward for information leading to the identification and capture of D.B. Cooper.
To learn more about the 1971 Northwest Orient Airline 305 hijacking and the ongoing investigation, visit the FBI’s official website here. This historic event serves as a reminder of the enduring mysteries that continue to captivate our collective curiosity.