Fate of Hijacker D.B. Cooper and missing ransom money explantion?

[Curiousity]

In a National Geographic Special on D. B. Cooper there is a specualtion on the ransom money found Feb 10,1980 on the riverbanks of the Columbia River near Vancouver, Washington and cooper fate...that Cooper fell into the Columbia River and died; the reason the money was found was because at that time the river was open to ocean bound ships...that Cooper and ransom were caught by a ocean going ship and that part of the ransom money drifted away into the river bank...while Cooper and the rest of the Money were buried at sea...

 

[Gare]

Just how wide was that river ?

 

[ISmellGold]

I think its already been solved. The Feds wasted "Cooper".

Richard McCoy Jr. - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

They just like to say its unsolved because it has basically become a legend, The FBI doesnt want to be known as the guys that wasted D.B. Cooper.

As far as the money goes pretty sure those bills found in the Columbia river were thrown off an overpass on McCoys way back to Seatle.
Probably the rest of the cash was probably washed in Tijuanna at the Track or Vegas in the Casinos.
Pretty good heist, the way he used the headlights on the highways as a landmark. Perfect landing spot near a Point with a View after hours. Good planning. Probably would of gotten away with it if he didn't go back for seconds.

 

[Curiousity]

see following https://parachutist.com/Article/the-secrets-of-db-cooper-part-two-evidence-of-absence

D.B. Cooper Hijacking | Federal Bureau of Investigation

A man who parachuted out of an airplane in 1971 with a bag full of stolen cash has never been seen again in one of the great unsolved mysteries in FBI history.

www.fbi.gov

The information you've provided aligns with one of the most prominent theories about D.B. Cooper's identity and background, which was developed by the FBI's lead investigator, Special Agent Larry Carr. However, these points remain unproven speculation as Cooper was never identified or captured, and the FBI officially closed the case in 2016.
Here is an overview of how your points align with the known details and theories:

• Air Force "Kicker" / Cargo Loader: A key part of the theory proposed by Agent Carr is that Cooper was an Air Force veteran who worked as an airborne cargo loader (or loadmaster). This role would have given him knowledge of the specific Boeing 727 aircraft type, including how to operate the aft airstairs during flight, a detail largely unknown to the general public and even some pilots.
• Basic Parachuting Knowledge: Investigators concluded that Cooper was likely not an experienced skydiver or paratrooper, but rather someone with only basic knowledge. A professional would not have jumped at night, in a storm, into rugged terrain, with a non-steerable parachute and inappropriate clothing (loafers and a trench coat). However, as a cargo loader, he would have worn an emergency parachute on occasion, providing him with a working, but not expert, knowledge of the equipment.
• Stationed in Washington State / Recognized the Ground: This detail is a component of the theory that Cooper was familiar with the Pacific Northwest area, possibly having been stationed at an Air Force base (like McChord, near the jump area).
• he was apparently raised in Canada and also knew french [His use of negotable american currency in his demand and that the Dan Cooper comic was written in french]; ...Cooper did not do this for a thrill...he was desperate wnough to get the ransom mone
• Raised in Canada and Knew French: The alias "Dan Cooper" was taken from a popular French-language Belgian comic book series featuring a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilot hero. This detail, combined with potential links to Canadian currency exchange or the "Dan Cooper" comic, has led to speculation about a French-Canadian background.
• Desperate for Money / Not for Thrill: The FBI generally profiled Cooper as being financially desperate, which would provide the motivation for such a high-risk crime. This suggests a need for money rather than just a "thrill-seeking" motive.
• Died During the Jump: The prevailing theory among FBI agents and aviation experts is that Cooper most likely did not survive the jump due to the extreme conditions, the type of parachute he chose, and the rugged, cold wilderness he landed in. The discovery of a small portion of the ransom money along the Columbia River in 1980 further supports the theory that the money was lost and Cooper did not make it to a safe location.

 

[Curiousity]

D.B. Cooper
's chances of survival would have been too small regardless of where he landed, primarily because of the extremely hazardous conditions of the jump itself, not the specific landing location.
Cooper's demands, which included a flight to
Mexico
, were part of his plan, but he jumped much earlier, over rugged wilderness in southwestern Washington state. Had he somehow remained on the plane until they were over Mexico, his chances of survival would not have been significantly better due to the following factors:

• Extreme Jump Conditions: Cooper jumped at night, in a heavy rainstorm, with no visibility, a temperature of about 20°F at 10,000 feet, and winds exceeding 200 mph. These conditions were treacherous for any skydiver, let alone one who was not an expert.
• Unsteerable Parachute: The Navy emergency parachute he chose was an older, round-canopy model designed for emergency bailouts, not freefall, and was virtually
• unsteerable. This meant he had no control over his direction and could not avoid difficult terrain.
• Lack of Proper Gear: Cooper was wearing a business suit and slip-on loafers, with no survival gear, proper jump suit, or protective helmet. He also may have used a "dummy" reserve parachute pack to hold the money, meaning he only had one working parachute, which increased his risk significantly.
• Terrain Challenges: Whether landing in the dense, mountainous forests of Washington or a potential wilderness area in Mexico, an unsteerable landing without proper equipment would likely result in severe injury or death from impact with trees, rocks, or water.
• Exposure: Without survival gear, even a successful landing could quickly turn fatal due to hypothermia from exposure to the elements.
• The FBI and aviation experts widely believed Cooper probably did not survive the jump because no experienced parachutist would have attempted it under those circumstances. The location, whether the Pacific Northwest wilderness or potential landing sites in Mexico, was less a factor in survival than the inherent dangers of the jump itself
• If
  D.B. Cooper
  had reached
  Mexico
  before jumping, he would have faced a different set of terrain and climate challenges, but still significant risks, especially given his inadequate equipment and the circumstances of the jump.
  The flight path to Mexico from Reno would likely have taken him over the vast, arid terrain of the American Southwest and Northern Mexico, potentially including:
  • Deserts: Large stretches of the Sonoran or Chihuahuan deserts, characterized by extreme temperature shifts (hot days, cold nights), limited water sources, and scarce civilization. Landing in a remote desert area without survival gear could be as fatal as landing in a freezing forest.
  • Mountain Ranges: The flight could have crossed parts of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, which features rugged, remote, and potentially high-altitude wilderness areas. Landing in these remote, high-elevation regions would have presented similar challenges to the Pacific Northwest (difficult terrain, risk of injury, exposure).
  • 
    
  • Baja California (if the route went west): If the flight path veered toward the Pacific coast, he might have landed in the mountainous or desert regions of the Baja California peninsula or even in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Landing Conditions in Mexico vs. Washington:
    
    
    [th]

    Factor​

    [/th][th]

    Pacific Northwest (Actual Jump)​

    [/th][th]

    Mexico (Potential Jump)​

    [/th]​

    [td]Terrain[/td][td]Dense, mountainous wilderness, rivers, lakes.[/td][td]Deserts, canyons, rugged mountains (Sierra Madre), or ocean.[/td] [td]Weather (Nov.)[/td][td]Night, freezing temperatures at altitude, heavy rain, strong winds, potential snow in higher elevations.[/td][td]Likely warmer overall, but still cold at 10,000 feet, especially at night. Arid conditions in the desert; potentially different weather systems in the mountains.[/td] [td]Visibility[/td][td]Pitch black, obscured by cloud cover and storm.[/td][td]Still dark, but potentially clearer (depending on weather fronts) in arid regions, possibly allowing sight of ground lights, though the plane was flying "lights out".[/td] [td]Survival Needs[/td][td]Immediate threat of hypothermia/exposure, limited mobility in dense forest.[/td][td]Risk of dehydration, heat exposure during day (if injured and immobile), and potential hypothermia at night.[/td]
    Ultimately, the primary dangers were related to the jump itself and the lack of proper
    
    • preparation:
      • Unsteerable Parachute: He used an old, round-canopy emergency parachute, making a controlled landing impossible regardless of the location.
      • Inadequate Gear: Wearing only a business suit and loafers, he had no survival supplies for any type of wilderness.
      • Night/Blind Jump: The jump was at night with no visibility to pick a safe landing spot.
    • The challenges in Mexico would have been different, but without the proper equipment, an uninjured landing, and a clear survival plan, his chances of survival would still have been very small. Most experts believe he likely died during or shortly after the jump due to these factors

 

[ISmellGold]

D.B. Cooper
's chances of survival would have been too small regardless of where he landed, primarily because of the extremely hazardous conditions of the jump itself, not the specific landing location.
Cooper's demands, which included a flight to
Mexico
, were part of his plan, but he jumped much earlier, over rugged wilderness in southwestern Washington state. Had he somehow remained on the plane until they were over Mexico, his chances of survival would not have been significantly better due to the following factors:

• Extreme Jump Conditions: Cooper jumped at night, in a heavy rainstorm, with no visibility, a temperature of about 20°F at 10,000 feet, and winds exceeding 200 mph. These conditions were treacherous for any skydiver, let alone one who was not an expert.
• Unsteerable Parachute: The Navy emergency parachute he chose was an older, round-canopy model designed for emergency bailouts, not freefall, and was virtually
• unsteerable. This meant he had no control over his direction and could not avoid difficult terrain.
• Lack of Proper Gear: Cooper was wearing a business suit and slip-on loafers, with no survival gear, proper jump suit, or protective helmet. He also may have used a "dummy" reserve parachute pack to hold the money, meaning he only had one working parachute, which increased his risk significantly.
• Terrain Challenges: Whether landing in the dense, mountainous forests of Washington or a potential wilderness area in Mexico, an unsteerable landing without proper equipment would likely result in severe injury or death from impact with trees, rocks, or water.
• Exposure: Without survival gear, even a successful landing could quickly turn fatal due to hypothermia from exposure to the elements.
• The FBI and aviation experts widely believed Cooper probably did not survive the jump because no experienced parachutist would have attempted it under those circumstances. The location, whether the Pacific Northwest wilderness or potential landing sites in Mexico, was less a factor in survival than the inherent dangers of the jump itself
• If
  D.B. Cooper
  had reached
  Mexico
  before jumping, he would have faced a different set of terrain and climate challenges, but still significant risks, especially given his inadequate equipment and the circumstances of the jump.
  The flight path to Mexico from Reno would likely have taken him over the vast, arid terrain of the American Southwest and Northern Mexico, potentially including:
  • Deserts: Large stretches of the Sonoran or Chihuahuan deserts, characterized by extreme temperature shifts (hot days, cold nights), limited water sources, and scarce civilization. Landing in a remote desert area without survival gear could be as fatal as landing in a freezing forest.
  • Mountain Ranges: The flight could have crossed parts of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, which features rugged, remote, and potentially high-altitude wilderness areas. Landing in these remote, high-elevation regions would have presented similar challenges to the Pacific Northwest (difficult terrain, risk of injury, exposure).
  • 
    
  • Baja California (if the route went west): If the flight path veered toward the Pacific coast, he might have landed in the mountainous or desert regions of the Baja California peninsula or even in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Landing Conditions in Mexico vs. Washington:
    
    
    
    [th]
    Factor
    
    [/th][th]
    Pacific Northwest (Actual Jump)
    
    [/th][th]
    Mexico (Potential Jump)
    
    [/th]​
    [td]Terrain[/td][td]Dense, mountainous wilderness, rivers, lakes.[/td][td]Deserts, canyons, rugged mountains (Sierra Madre), or ocean.[/td] [td]Weather (Nov.)[/td][td]Night, freezing temperatures at altitude, heavy rain, strong winds, potential snow in higher elevations.[/td][td]Likely warmer overall, but still cold at 10,000 feet, especially at night. Arid conditions in the desert; potentially different weather systems in the mountains.[/td] [td]Visibility[/td][td]Pitch black, obscured by cloud cover and storm.[/td][td]Still dark, but potentially clearer (depending on weather fronts) in arid regions, possibly allowing sight of ground lights, though the plane was flying "lights out".[/td] [td]Survival Needs[/td][td]Immediate threat of hypothermia/exposure, limited mobility in dense forest.[/td][td]Risk of dehydration, heat exposure during day (if injured and immobile), and potential hypothermia at night.[/td]
    
    Ultimately, the primary dangers were related to the jump itself and the lack of proper
    
    • preparation:
      • Unsteerable Parachute: He used an old, round-canopy emergency parachute, making a controlled landing impossible regardless of the location.
      • Inadequate Gear: Wearing only a business suit and loafers, he had no survival supplies for any type of wilderness.
      • Night/Blind Jump: The jump was at night with no visibility to pick a safe landing spot.
    • The challenges in Mexico would have been different, but without the proper equipment, an uninjured landing, and a clear survival plan, his chances of survival would still have been very small. Most experts believe he likely died during or shortly after the jump due to these factors

Naw, he survived the jump. Despite the odds he made it. Perfect execution. Landed right on target. He was on his way back to Seattle, 10 minutes after he landed at the Point.

 

[Curiousity]

Hypothermia can begin at temperatures as high as 40°F to 50°F if a person is wet and exposed to wind. In a storm with a 20°F air temperature and high winds, hypothermia could develop rapidly, potentially within 20-30 minutes or less, especially if clothing became wet.

Factors Affecting Hypothermia Onset
Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). Several factors in the D.B. Cooper scenario would have accelerated this process:

• Temperature and Wind Chill: The actual air temperature was around 20°F (or potentially "well below zero" with wind chill at 10,000 feet). Wind chill dramatically increases the rate of heat loss.
• Moisture: Cooper jumped into a thunderstorm. Wet clothing loses heat much faster than dry clothing, even in mild temperatures.
• Inadequate Clothing: He was wearing only a business suit and a raincoat, which are not survival gear for freezing temperatures and would offer poor insulation, especially when wet.
• Altitude and Freefall: The extreme cold and wind exposure during the initial freefall would have started the process immediately.
• Lack of Control: Using a non-steerable parachute and landing in a rugged, wooded area at night would make it nearly impossible to seek shelter or change into dry clothes, prolonging exposure.
• Physical Exertion/Fatigue: Exhaustion can also reduce a person's ability to tolerate the cold
• Given these conditions, most authorities and experts assume Cooper perished during the jump due to the extreme environmental challenges and the rapid onset of severe hypothermia.
  
  Rain contributes to hypothermia because wet clothes pull heat from the body much faster than dry clothes. Water is a much more efficient conductor of heat than air, and the evaporation of that water from your skin and clothes has a cooling effect, especially when combined with wind. This can cause a dangerous drop in your core body temperature, even in temperatures that are not extremely cold.
  • Conductive heat loss: Wet clothing in direct contact with your skin draws heat away from your body more rapidly. While dry clothes are an insulator, wet clothes lose that insulating property, and water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air, notes Mayo Clinic.
  • Evaporative cooling: As raindrops, sweat, or other moisture on your clothes and skin evaporates, it takes heat with it. This effect is intensified by wind, which speeds up the evaporation process and further chills you.
  • Lowering surface temperature: Rain can also cool the surfaces it hits, like the ground, which can then draw heat from your body through contact.
  • Risk at cool temperatures:Because of these factors, hypothermia can occur even when the ambient temperature is above freezing, such as around 40∘F40 raised to the composed with power cap F(4∘C4 raised to the composed with power cap C), if a person is wet from rain or sweat, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Cedars-Sinai.

 

[Curiousity]

The FBI profile of
D.B. Cooper
was developed using witness descriptions and limited physical evidence left on the plane. These leads characterized Cooper as an average-looking, calm, and intelligent man with specific knowledge of the Boeing 727 aircraft and potentially an aerospace or military background.

Case Lead Characteristics and Profiling
Witness Descriptions:

• Physical Appearance: The primary leads were eyewitness accounts (from passengers and crew) describing a white male, mid-40s, about 6'1" tall, 170-175 pounds, with brown eyes and black, conventionally-cut hair. This led to a widely distributed sketch used to compare against thousands of potential suspects over the years.
• Demeanor and Attire: Witnesses described him as calm, polite, and professional, wearing a business suit, a clip-on tie, a white shirt, a dark raincoat, and loafers. This suggested he was likely a white-collar worker or ex-military, not a typical hardened criminal or "long-haired hippie".
• • Behavior: His calm, non-violent approach (beyond the initial bomb threat) and ability to blend in as a regular passenger suggested a calculated individual who had planned the crime meticulously. He even tried to pay for his in-flight bourbon and soda.
  Physical Evidence:
  • Items Left Behind: Cooper left a few key items on the plane: a black clip-on tie, a mother-of-pearl tie clip, a hair, and eight Raleigh cigarette butts. While fingerprints were not found, DNA was later extracted from these items, allowing the FBI to exclude suspects.
  • Titanium Traces: Recent analysis of the tie revealed traces of pure titanium, a rare metal used in the aerospace industry at the time for the Boeing supersonic program. This lead suggested Cooper likely worked for Boeing or a related subcontractor.
  • Ransom Money: In 1980, a portion of the marked ransom money was found along the Columbia River. This lead was used to focus search efforts on specific areas, though the location was far from the projected drop zone, leading to theories that the money was planted or that he landed far off course.
  Technical Knowledge:
  • Aircraft Expertise: Cooper's demand for a specific type of parachute and his knowledge of the Boeing 727's unique aft (rear) staircase—which could be opened mid-flight—suggested he had an aviation background. The original FBI profile was for an experienced military paratrooper, although this was later revised to someone with less jumping experience but more technical knowledge of aircraft.
  These characteristics helped the FBI narrow down thousands of leads to the most plausible suspects, often focusing on individuals with aviation or military experience in the Pacific Northwest who matched the general physical description.
  
  In November 1978, a deer hunter found a 727's instruction placard for lowering the aft airstair. The placard was found near a logging road about 13 miles (21 km) east of Castle Rock, Washington, north of Lake Merwin, but within Flight 305's basic flight path.
  
  
  
  

 

[Crow]

D.B. Cooper
's chances of survival would have been too small regardless of where he landed, primarily because of the extremely hazardous conditions of the jump itself, not the specific landing location.
Cooper's demands, which included a flight to
Mexico
, were part of his plan, but he jumped much earlier, over rugged wilderness in southwestern Washington state. Had he somehow remained on the plane until they were over Mexico, his chances of survival would not have been significantly better due to the following factors:

• Extreme Jump Conditions: Cooper jumped at night, in a heavy rainstorm, with no visibility, a temperature of about 20°F at 10,000 feet, and winds exceeding 200 mph. These conditions were treacherous for any skydiver, let alone one who was not an expert.
• Unsteerable Parachute: The Navy emergency parachute he chose was an older, round-canopy model designed for emergency bailouts, not freefall, and was virtually
• unsteerable. This meant he had no control over his direction and could not avoid difficult terrain.
• Lack of Proper Gear: Cooper was wearing a business suit and slip-on loafers, with no survival gear, proper jump suit, or protective helmet. He also may have used a "dummy" reserve parachute pack to hold the money, meaning he only had one working parachute, which increased his risk significantly.
• Terrain Challenges: Whether landing in the dense, mountainous forests of Washington or a potential wilderness area in Mexico, an unsteerable landing without proper equipment would likely result in severe injury or death from impact with trees, rocks, or water.
• Exposure: Without survival gear, even a successful landing could quickly turn fatal due to hypothermia from exposure to the elements.
• The FBI and aviation experts widely believed Cooper probably did not survive the jump because no experienced parachutist would have attempted it under those circumstances. The location, whether the Pacific Northwest wilderness or potential landing sites in Mexico, was less a factor in survival than the inherent dangers of the jump itself
• If
  D.B. Cooper
  had reached
  Mexico
  before jumping, he would have faced a different set of terrain and climate challenges, but still significant risks, especially given his inadequate equipment and the circumstances of the jump.
  The flight path to Mexico from Reno would likely have taken him over the vast, arid terrain of the American Southwest and Northern Mexico, potentially including:
  • Deserts: Large stretches of the Sonoran or Chihuahuan deserts, characterized by extreme temperature shifts (hot days, cold nights), limited water sources, and scarce civilization. Landing in a remote desert area without survival gear could be as fatal as landing in a freezing forest.
  • Mountain Ranges: The flight could have crossed parts of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, which features rugged, remote, and potentially high-altitude wilderness areas. Landing in these remote, high-elevation regions would have presented similar challenges to the Pacific Northwest (difficult terrain, risk of injury, exposure).
  • 
    
  • Baja California (if the route went west): If the flight path veered toward the Pacific coast, he might have landed in the mountainous or desert regions of the Baja California peninsula or even in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Landing Conditions in Mexico vs. Washington:
    
    
    
    [th]
    Factor
    
    [/th][th]
    Pacific Northwest (Actual Jump)
    
    [/th][th]
    Mexico (Potential Jump)
    
    [/th]​
    [td]Terrain[/td][td]Dense, mountainous wilderness, rivers, lakes.[/td][td]Deserts, canyons, rugged mountains (Sierra Madre), or ocean.[/td] [td]Weather (Nov.)[/td][td]Night, freezing temperatures at altitude, heavy rain, strong winds, potential snow in higher elevations.[/td][td]Likely warmer overall, but still cold at 10,000 feet, especially at night. Arid conditions in the desert; potentially different weather systems in the mountains.[/td] [td]Visibility[/td][td]Pitch black, obscured by cloud cover and storm.[/td][td]Still dark, but potentially clearer (depending on weather fronts) in arid regions, possibly allowing sight of ground lights, though the plane was flying "lights out".[/td] [td]Survival Needs[/td][td]Immediate threat of hypothermia/exposure, limited mobility in dense forest.[/td][td]Risk of dehydration, heat exposure during day (if injured and immobile), and potential hypothermia at night.[/td]
    
    Ultimately, the primary dangers were related to the jump itself and the lack of proper
    
    • preparation:
      • Unsteerable Parachute: He used an old, round-canopy emergency parachute, making a controlled landing impossible regardless of the location.
      • Inadequate Gear: Wearing only a business suit and loafers, he had no survival supplies for any type of wilderness.
      • Night/Blind Jump: The jump was at night with no visibility to pick a safe landing spot.
    • The challenges in Mexico would have been different, but without the proper equipment, an uninjured landing, and a clear survival plan, his chances of survival would still have been very small. Most experts believe he likely died during or shortly after the jump due to these factors

I suspect authorities frustrated knowing they had been publicly humiliated gave such spurious answers to explain away why he did not survive to cover the humiliation that he had pulled fast one on them.

Most profilers are not survivalist who sit in ivory towers and have zero understanding of the resilience of a determined individual to survive. Clearly Richard Mc Coy was D B Cooper and was one such individual. Later again trying again. Perhaps he lost most of money in first attempt? Or adrenaline junkie knowing he can. The truth died with Richard Mc Coy and no matter how much profiling data and what ifs the FBI to bring up to save face. After all it was high profile crime with FBI unable solve it. It became blemish on the reputation of the service. better bury the fact that he got away by saying he perished. There was no way they was going to admit he got away with it.

I suspect because of that claim he died. Out of ego induced Richard Mc Coy to repeat the crime. He was rejected for the FBI. He was out to publicly humiliate the FBI as saying to their face see look what i can do. This time he was caught and after his audacious escape the FBI was not mucking around with such a wild card. Death is the only cure for a adrenaline junkie. The very doubt the FBI created in fact created the legend we have today.

Although a criminal. There is a little admiration in such characters in their defiance against the establishment. With all the profilers theories and hypothesis, the fact of the matter is never going to change fascination in the story and the legend of the audacity and gall of histories first ever skyjacker.


Crow

 

[Curiousity]

The parachute found on the McCoy property was a military-issue NB-8 bailout rig with several specific and unique custom modifications, which align with the alterations made by the skydiving expert who supplied the parachutes to D.B. Cooper.
The modifications were:

• Relocated Ripcord: The ripcord handle was moved from its standard left side to the right side.
• Enlarged Pack Tray: The container (pack tray) that holds the canopy was custom-enlarged to accommodate a different, larger sport-style parachute and its deployment sleeve.
• Added D-rings: D-ring attachments were added to the harness.
• Cut Straps: Various non-essential or extra straps on the harness were cut.
• Distinctive Stitching: The modifications featured distinct and reportedly "poorly
• executed" hand-sewn stitching, which is considered a unique signature of the original supplier, Earl Cossey.
• --------------
• he NB-6 and NB-8 were both military-issue personnel parachute assemblies used for emergency egress, primarily by the U.S. Navy and Air Force during the mid-to-late 20th century (Vietnam era), but specific design differences were introduced over time as the models evolved.
  Key differences generally relate to the design evolution, harness type, and specific hardware modifications:
  • Harness Design: A standard NB-8 rig typically featured the characteristic Navy-style harness with "X"-type chest straps. The NB-6 had an earlier, slightly different harness design, though specific details of the NB-6 are less commonly documented than the widely used NB-8.
  • Ripcord Handle Location: The NB-8 was often subject to field modifications, which sometimes included moving the ripcord handle from the standard location (e.g., left side) to the right side, or adding D-ring attachments for different uses, which may not have been standard on the older NB-6 model.
  • Pack Tray/Container: The NB-8 might have had a slightly different or enlarged pack tray (container) design compared to the NB-6, likely to accommodate different canopy or survival equipment configurations as the systems were updated over the years.
  • Canopy: Both rigs likely used a standard 28-foot diameter round canopy (often made by manufacturers like Pioneer or Switlik) but the NB-8, being a later model, might have been designed to incorporate incremental improvements in canopy material or rigging techniques.
  • Age and Era: The NB-6 is an older model preceding the NB-8. For example, documented NB-8 assemblies often have dates from the late 1950s and 1960s (Vietnam War era), suggesting the NB-6 was from an earlier period, likely the post-WWII to early Cold War era.
• tHE PARACHUTE FOUND ON mCcOY PROPERTY WAS AN NB-8
• D.B. Cooper was given four parachutes: two main military-style NB-6 backpacks (one with a 24-foot canopy, one with a 26-foot canopy) and two reserve chest-packs (one functional, one a "dummy" training chute). He jumped with the smaller, olive drab military main parachute and a reserve chute (which was the dummy one).
  The specific parachutes were:
  • Main Parachute (used for the jump): A military-style NB-6 backpack with a 24-foot nylon canopy in olive drab, manufactured in July 1960 by Pioneer Parachute Company. This type of chute was a basic emergency model for pilots and not very maneuverable.
  • Reserve Parachute (used for the jump): A chest-pack that was actually an unusable training parachute with its canopy sewn together for classroom demonstrations. Cooper, possibly due to a lack of experience, did not realize it was a dummy chute or had no other choice as the harnesses lacked d-rings to attach the proper reserve chute.
  • Unused Parachutes (left on the plane):
    • A second military-style NB-6 backpack with a 26-foot tan canopy.
    • A functional 24-foot reserve chest-pack, manufactured in October 1959 by Switlik Parachute Co.. Cooper cut the shroud lines from this one to tie up the money bag.

 

[Curiousity]

:

 

[Curiousity]

DB Cooper
hysical Appearance: The primary leads were eyewitness accounts (from passengers and crew) describing a white male, mid-40s, about 6'1" tall, 170-175 pounds, with brown eyes and black, conventionally-cut hair

mc coy description

• Race/Ethnicity: White
• Hair: Balding, with a poor-fitting wig used during the hijacking
• Eyes: Light gray-blue
• Skin: Pale complexion
• Distinguishing features: Significant speech impediment, and a mustache and sideburns that he darkened with mascara
• Physical appearance during hijacking: Sweaty, nervous, and wearing mirrored sunglasses

 

[ISmellGold]

I suspect authorities frustrated knowing they had been publicly humiliated gave such spurious answers to explain away why he did not survive to cover the humiliation that he had pulled fast one on them.

Most profilers are not survivalist who sit in ivory towers and have zero understanding of the resilience of a determined individual to survive. Clearly Richard Mc Coy was D B Cooper and was one such individual. Later again trying again. Perhaps he lost most of money in first attempt? Or adrenaline junkie knowing he can. The truth died with Richard Mc Coy and no matter how much profiling data and what ifs the FBI to bring up to save face. After all it was high profile crime with FBI unable solve it. It became blemish on the reputation of the service. better bury the fact that he got away by saying he perished. There was no way they was going to admit he got away with it.

I suspect because of that claim he died. Out of ego induced Richard Mc Coy to repeat the crime. He was rejected for the FBI. He was out to publicly humiliate the FBI as saying to their face see look what i can do. This time he was caught and after his audacious escape the FBI was not mucking around with such a wild card. Death is the only cure for a adrenaline junkie. The very doubt the FBI created in fact created the legend we have today.

Although a criminal. There is a little admiration in such characters in their defiance against the establishment. With all the profilers theories and hypothesis, the fact of the matter is never going to change fascination in the story and the legend of the audacity and gall of histories first ever skyjacker.


Crow

Yeah, It might not of even been raining when he jumped? He might of had a jump suit in the carry on and put that on before he jumped, even then he probably was only exposed to "the cold for 5 minutes from jump to landing" Makes me think more how he must of had a foolproof plan to land really close to the Drop Zone, He probably had a thermous of hot coffee and a blanket waiting for him in the car. Heck there might even of been an accomplice driving. By how fast the money was "spent" before he attempted a nother Hijack most likely there was a Getaway driver waiting when he hit the ground. Leaving a car at the point for a day ot 2 might look suspicious. Thinking about it. Somebody must of been waiting for "Cooper" when he landed.
As far as the McCoy parachute goes I doubt anybody would be that stupid to keep the parachute as a momento of the hijack.🤣. That McCoy parachute was probably bought by relatives just to hype the story more for the next guy to come along and gaze with wonder.🤣
I had the most likely landing zone marked out but have lost the notes. Actually I think the pointe is redacted on most satelite maps nowadays, somebody probably talked about it in some thread somewhere. Probably why its redacted, they dont want alot of Cooper nuts going on vacation there. I do remember a picnic table at the site tho🤣, Believe it Or Not.
He must of jumped for a clearing though, no trees around, because if he hit a forrested area he must of known there would be a good chance of a bad wipeout.

 

[ISmellGold]

Yeah, that was a big story in the 70's. Actually probably would make a pretty good film. I think the main story pretty much went untold. I am willing to bet "cooper" also had a carry-on with him when he boarded, never talked about with maybe a walkie talkie, goggles & a helmet. Probably doubled as a jump bag for the money.
Like I said Interesting story.

Maybe I will do a Screenplay someday.
SKYJACKER

 

[ISmellGold]

The more I think about it "Cooper" must of had a carry-on with him. I know it was reported that he boarded the plane with just a briefcase. But to me that is just odd. I bet you he had a Vintage Boyscout backpack with him. Obviously "Cooper" had a sense of humor, and no one would think twice of a seeing someone with a boyscout Backpack? They were extremely sturdy relatively light weight, loads of mounting points, riveted strap attachments.
That was it. Thats the ticket. Really there wasn't many military options, plus it was 1971 you probably wouldn't want to be walking around with a military backpack, As far as backpacks go, I dont think anything being put out by private companies probably was of the highest quality. Nope the Boyscout pack hits the mark.
Yeah, thats what he had🤣

Muliple strong tie points

The "Boy Scouts code" refers to the Scout Oath and Scout Law, a set of guiding principles for members. The Oath is a promise to do one's duty to God and country, and the Law lists twelve characteristics to live by: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Other related codes include the Outdoor Code and the Scouter Code of Conduct.

Yep thats what he used
🤣

 

[Oregon Viking]

The movie was entertaining.

The Pursuit of D. B. Cooper - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[ArfieBoy]

Just how wide was that river ?

The Columbia River is very wide at that point where the money was found. I don't know the exact distance but is not too far upstream from Portland, Oregon

 

[ISmellGold]

The movie was entertaining.

The Pursuit of D. B. Cooper - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Yeah, I seen the flick. Actually kind of underatted. Its a decent watch. I think I would of done a more technical serious movie though on the events leading up to the Skyjacking, Preparations.
Obviously, there is a lot more to the story. Seriously it was never even put out that Cooper had a carry-on bag. You know he did. Probably had overalls, goggles, radio, flashlight, compass, map and a helmet in the bag, maybe a scout master shirt🤣 some ties and cairbeaners..🤣 The heist was just too well planned out to just do a half assed suicide dive in a business suit.🤣

 

[ISmellGold]

The parachute found on the McCoy property was a military-issue NB-8 bailout rig with several specific and unique custom modifications, which align with the alterations made by the skydiving expert who supplied the parachutes to D.B. Cooper.
The modifications were:

• Relocated Ripcord: The ripcord handle was moved from its standard left side to the right side.
• Enlarged Pack Tray: The container (pack tray) that holds the canopy was custom-enlarged to accommodate a different, larger sport-style parachute and its deployment sleeve.
• Added D-rings: D-ring attachments were added to the harness.
• Cut Straps: Various non-essential or extra straps on the harness were cut.
• Distinctive Stitching: The modifications featured distinct and reportedly "poorly
• executed" hand-sewn stitching, which is considered a unique signature of the original supplier, Earl Cossey.
• --------------
• he NB-6 and NB-8 were both military-issue personnel parachute assemblies used for emergency egress, primarily by the U.S. Navy and Air Force during the mid-to-late 20th century (Vietnam era), but specific design differences were introduced over time as the models evolved.
  Key differences generally relate to the design evolution, harness type, and specific hardware modifications:
  • Harness Design: A standard NB-8 rig typically featured the characteristic Navy-style harness with "X"-type chest straps. The NB-6 had an earlier, slightly different harness design, though specific details of the NB-6 are less commonly documented than the widely used NB-8.
  • Ripcord Handle Location: The NB-8 was often subject to field modifications, which sometimes included moving the ripcord handle from the standard location (e.g., left side) to the right side, or adding D-ring attachments for different uses, which may not have been standard on the older NB-6 model.
  • Pack Tray/Container: The NB-8 might have had a slightly different or enlarged pack tray (container) design compared to the NB-6, likely to accommodate different canopy or survival equipment configurations as the systems were updated over the years.
  • Canopy: Both rigs likely used a standard 28-foot diameter round canopy (often made by manufacturers like Pioneer or Switlik) but the NB-8, being a later model, might have been designed to incorporate incremental improvements in canopy material or rigging techniques.
  • Age and Era: The NB-6 is an older model preceding the NB-8. For example, documented NB-8 assemblies often have dates from the late 1950s and 1960s (Vietnam War era), suggesting the NB-6 was from an earlier period, likely the post-WWII to early Cold War era.
• tHE PARACHUTE FOUND ON mCcOY PROPERTY WAS AN NB-8
• D.B. Cooper was given four parachutes: two main military-style NB-6 backpacks (one with a 24-foot canopy, one with a 26-foot canopy) and two reserve chest-packs (one functional, one a "dummy" training chute). He jumped with the smaller, olive drab military main parachute and a reserve chute (which was the dummy one).
  The specific parachutes were:
  • Main Parachute (used for the jump): A military-style NB-6 backpack with a 24-foot nylon canopy in olive drab, manufactured in July 1960 by Pioneer Parachute Company. This type of chute was a basic emergency model for pilots and not very maneuverable.
  • Reserve Parachute (used for the jump): A chest-pack that was actually an unusable training parachute with its canopy sewn together for classroom demonstrations. Cooper, possibly due to a lack of experience, did not realize it was a dummy chute or had no other choice as the harnesses lacked d-rings to attach the proper reserve chute.
  • Unused Parachutes (left on the plane):
    • A second military-style NB-6 backpack with a 26-foot tan canopy.
    • A functional 24-foot reserve chest-pack, manufactured in October 1959 by Switlik Parachute Co.. Cooper cut the shroud lines from this one to tie up the money bag.

Yeah, he had to tie the pack to himself somehow?

It would be my guess that he was given 4 matching parachutes. The FBI probably held back information on the Carry-on. Probably for prosecition purposes. In fact I think they thought he was military at one point, I suppose a boyscout pack could of been mistaken as military??
Wait a minute just the cord was missing?
If the other packs werent altered? He must to had a Jump bag with him then (carrry on ready to go). How would he of loaded and carried the the money securely?

 

[ISmellGold]

Actually the currency provided was pretty interesting, there is a possible chanve some of the money is still in circulation. I am not really sure of the cash that was paid out to "Cooper" . But apparentl he was paid off in 20's?? 200 thousand in 20's is a pretty good sack. Thats 100 Straps of 20's, that has got to be a good 15-20 pounds and take up a pretty good amount of space. That would of barely fit in that Boyscout pack. Sounds like they found something like 5800 bucks in the river? 3 straps of 20's?? odd amount and distribution, it had to be a plant. Almost like someone reached into a bag and just grabbed a handfull. 1 for the money, 2 for the show, 3 to get ready, and time to go.
Might be an interesting experiment to see how many straps of cash you could fit in one of those Boyscout packs??
I still say he had an accomplice, and the more I think of it he probably washed it in Vegas over a long weekend where the banks had a Friday or Monday Holiday. 20's wouldnt of attracted much attention.

Anyways here is a list of some of the bills "Cooper" took. The Star Notes


Good luck, if you come across one you could probably get a few extra bucks fot it.