At What Altitude Did DB Cooper Jump?
DB Cooper’s daring skyjacking and subsequent disappearance have been the subject of much speculation and intrigue since 1971. One of the most common questions surrounding the case is at what altitude did DB Cooper jump from the airplane? Let’s delve into the details of this infamous event and try to uncover the answer.
The Mysterious Skyjacking
On November 24, 1971, a man identifying himself as Dan Cooper, later mistakenly referred to as DB Cooper, hijacked a Boeing 727 aircraft traveling from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington. Cooper claimed to have a bomb in his briefcase and demanded $200,000 in cash and four parachutes. After his demands were met, the plane took off again with Cooper onboard.
The Fateful Jump
Approximately 45 minutes into the flight, Cooper sent the flight attendant to the cockpit and proceeded to jump out of the plane somewhere over the Pacific Northwest. Eyewitnesses on the plane reported seeing Cooper strap the bag of money to himself before exiting via the rear stairway of the aircraft.
Calculating the Altitude
While the exact altitude at which DB Cooper jumped is a topic of debate, experts and investigators have made educated guesses based on the circumstances of the hijacking. The general consensus is that Cooper likely jumped from an altitude of around 10,000 feet. This altitude would have provided enough time for Cooper to safely deploy his parachute and make a successful escape.
The Search for DB Cooper
Despite extensive search efforts by law enforcement and the FBI, DB Cooper’s fate remains unknown. While some evidence, including a portion of the ransom money, has been found over the years, Cooper himself has never been located. The mysterious skyjacker’s disappearance has spawned numerous theories and speculation, adding to the enduring mystery of the case.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of at what altitude did DB Cooper jump is one that may never be definitively answered. However, based on the circumstances of the hijacking and expert opinions, it is likely that Cooper jumped from an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet. The case of DB Cooper continues to capture the imagination of the public and remains one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries in aviation history.