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    SYSK Live: The DB Cooper Heist

    enOctober 17, 2017

    Podcast Summary

    • Discussing Favorite Movies with Chuck Bryant and Josh ClarkThe Capital One Venture X Card offers 2X miles on every purchase, premium travel benefits, and a $300 annual credit for bookings. Chuck Bryant hosts a new show, Movie Crush, discussing favorite movies with famous people.

      The Capital One Venture X Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and a $300 annual credit for bookings, and Kroger brand products provide proven quality at affordable prices with a money-back guarantee. Additionally, Chuck Bryant hosts a new show, Movie Crush, debuting November 3rd, where he talks with famous people about their favorite movies. During this live recording at the Neptune Theater in Seattle, Chuck and Josh discussed various topics, including their age and peeing habits, which they decided to start over and record again due to the off-topic nature of the conversation.

    • The Perfect Storm: Dan Cooper's Daring Heist on a 727-100In 1971, Dan Cooper skyjacked a Boeing 727-100, demanding $200,000 and parachutes, and disappeared after releasing passengers, leaving a lasting impact on aviation security.

      On a stormy Thanksgiving Eve in 1971, a man named Dan Cooper boarded Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, a Boeing 727-100, using the name Dan Cooper and a $20 bill. This seemingly ordinary event became known as the "D.B. Cooper Skyjacking" due to Cooper's demand for $200,000 and parachutes, and his subsequent disappearance after releasing the passengers. The small Boeing 727-100 plane, which had an aft staircase, was the only one in the Boeing fleet with this feature, making it the perfect target for Cooper's daring heist. The incident caused a significant impact on aviation security and remains unsolved to this day. Despite the confusion between fans and Howard Stern versus Mariners fans, this historical event continues to intrigue and captivate audiences.

    • The DB Cooper Hijacking: An Unsolved MysteryDespite the FBI's efforts and numerous hijackings during that time, the DB Cooper case remains unsolved due to the hijacker's successful escape with $200,000 in ransom money

      The DB Cooper hijacking in 1971 was a significant event in American history, even though it was not the first commercial airplane hijacking. The hijacker, who was later named Dan Cooper, wore dark sunglasses, an overcoat, and a hat to blend in. He handed a note to a flight attendant, Florence Schaffner, who ignored it, but Cooper later revealed he had a bomb. At the time, there were many hijackings, and the FBI was struggling to keep up. Their initial solution was to place an air marshal on every flight, but the logistics proved challenging, and there was no air marshal on flight 305. Cooper parachuted out of the plane with $200,000 in ransom money and was never found. Despite the prevalence of hijackings during that era, the DB Cooper case remains intriguing due to the lack of resolution.

    • The unexpected demands of D.B. Cooper during skyjacking's 'Golden Age'During the 'Golden Age of Skyjacking', hijackers like D.B. Cooper demanded ransoms, parachutes, and minimal interaction with pilots, making investigations challenging.

      During the "Golden Age of Skyjacking" between 1968 and 1979, hijackers could get away with their crimes due to the unexpected nature of D.B. Cooper's demands. Cooper, the first recorded skyjacker to demand a ransom for money, asked for $200,000, two parachutes, and no interaction with the pilots. He gave the note to the flight attendant, Florence Schaffner, who saw the bomb and took down his demands. Cooper's request for parachutes showed his intention to jump with the ransom, but also indicated he might take hostages. The lack of interaction with the pilots during the ordeal made their assistance minimal during the investigation. Cooper's demands were a stroke of brilliance that set a new trend for skyjacking.

    • Hijacker Dan Cooper's Calm Conversation with a PassengerDuring a hijacking, Cooper kept passengers calm and unaware while demanding ransom, showcasing his composure and the FBI's challenge in handling unconventional crimes

      During a hijacking incident at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in 1971, the hijacker Dan Cooper, also known as D.B. Cooper, kept his composure and engaged in casual conversation with a female passenger, Tina Mucklow, while the FBI tried to gather the ransom money. Cooper requested $200,000 in negotiable American currency and threatened to parachute with the passengers if his demands were not met. The passengers were kept unaware of the hijacking, and Cooper eventually disappeared after the money was dropped. This incident highlights Cooper's ability to maintain a calm demeanor during a tense situation and the FBI's struggle to handle an unconventional crime.

    • The Entertaining Skyjacking of D.B. CooperIn 1971, a passenger named Dan Cooper hijacked Flight 305, demanding $200,000 in ransom. Unaware passengers on another plane listened in, adding amusement. FBI and Northwest Orient cooperated, recorded serial numbers of ransom money, and obtained parachutes from a local skydiving company.

      During the skyjacking of Flight 305 in 1971, a passenger named Dan Cooper, also known as D.B. Cooper, hijacked the plane and demanded $200,000 in ransom. The most remarkable part of the story is that another pilot in the area, unaware of the hijacking, patched into the communication between the hijackers and the control tower, allowing all the passengers on his plane to listen in. This event took place during a time when drinking was common on flights, and the passengers found the situation amusing. Cooper gave clues such as mentioning "Tacoma," which could suggest he was from the area. After the hijacking, the FBI and Northwest Orient worked together to gather the ransom money. The money was collected from a bank in stacks of $20 bills, and the serial numbers were recorded to help trace the money if it was used in a bank robbery. The hardest part was obtaining the parachutes for Cooper's escape. The manager at the airport where the hijacking occurred knew someone who could help, Earl Kossey, who owned Seattle Sky Sports in Issaquah. Unfortunately, Kossey was murdered three years later, but it is believed that his death had nothing to do with the hijacking. Overall, the story of D.B. Cooper is a fascinating example of a hijacking that was unusual due to the communication between the hijackers and the public, and the cooperation between law enforcement and the airline to resolve the situation.

    • Employee's mistake leads to brave actions during hijackingAn employee's error led to unexpected bravery from passengers and crew during a hijacking, emphasizing the significance of vigilance and courage in critical moments.

      During the DB Cooper hijacking incident, an employee at Seattle Sky Sports in Issaquah inadvertently included a dummy shoot, which doesn't open, in the parachutes delivered to the hijacker. DB Cooper, anticipating potential danger, had the passengers lower the windows and stay put on the plane until Tina Mucklau, one of the hostages, retrieved the money and shoots. After the passengers were released, Tina bravely traded herself for their safety and went back on the plane. The cockpit crew, Radizak and Scott, could have easily escaped but chose to stay and witness the hijacking unfold. This incident highlights the importance of attention to detail and bravery in high-pressure situations.

    • D.B. Cooper's specific requests during hijackingD.B. Cooper showed kindness to flight attendant Tina Mucklow and displayed cunning manipulation during hijacking, keeping authorities guessing until his disappearance.

      D.B. Cooper's cool demeanor and resourcefulness were evident even during his hijacking, as he requested specific items and actions, such as a rope ladder and taking off with the aft staircase. Despite his criminal actions, he showed kindness to Tina Mucklow by not tipping her, and she impressed with her calmness and adherence to rules. The FAA's chief psychiatrist analyzed Cooper's potential behavior and made predictions, including his potential fetish and plan to blow up the plane. Cooper's ability to manipulate the situation and keep authorities guessing until his disappearance highlights his cunning and unpredictability.

    • Effective communication and clear instructions during hijackingClear instructions and effective communication are vital in high-pressure situations to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a successful outcome

      Effective communication and clear instructions are crucial during high-pressure situations. Dan Cooper, also known as D.B. Cooper, demonstrated this during his hijacking of a Boeing 727-100 in 1971. He had specific requests, such as flying to Mexico City and the use of an airtight bag for the ransom money. However, misunderstandings and miscommunications led to frustration and escalating tension. For instance, Cooper became agitated when the plane took longer to refuel than expected, and he gave detailed instructions on how to fly the plane to ensure a safe jump. Additionally, Cooper's request for a handle for the ransom bag was not met, leading him to improvise using a parachute rigging. In the end, Cooper's demands and instructions were not fully understood or met, which may have contributed to the unsuccessful outcome of the hijacking. Effective communication and clear instructions can make all the difference in high-pressure situations, as demonstrated by the D.B. Cooper case.

    • A chaotic response to a hijacking incident in 1971Thousands of resources and personnel were mobilized in response to a hijacking, but communication issues and the urgency of the situation made finding the hijacker a challenge

      During a hijacking incident in 1971, the crew of a 727 plane stayed on board despite warnings from an unidentified man who had hijacked the plane and threatened to blow it up. The FBI responded by scrambling jets to follow the plane, but due to communication issues and the jets being too fast for the 727, the search for the hijacker proved challenging. The crew felt the plane jiggle as if someone had jumped off the back, but they never saw Dan Cooper, the hijacker, leave. The manhunt that ensued involved thousands of troops and cops, and a local millionaire even rented a submarine to help in the search. The incident highlights the chaos and urgency involved in responding to a hijacking, as well as the challenges of coordinating resources and communication in such situations.

    • A cop's mistake led to the famous name of D.B. CooperA simple error during a press conference resulted in the popular name of the D.B. Cooper hijacker, highlighting the impact of seemingly insignificant details on investigations

      The infamous D.B. Cooper case, where a man hijacked a plane in 1971 and parachuted out with a ransom, was actually named incorrectly due to a simple mistake. A cop talking to a reporter at a press conference mistakenly referred to Dan Cooper as D.B. Cooper, and the name stuck. Despite this error, the FBI kept the name, using it as a way to filter potential leads. Interestingly, there was also a Dan Cooper character in a Belgian comic book from the 1950s, adding another layer to the mystery. This small mistake led to the popular name of the hijacker, showcasing how even the smallest details can have significant impacts on investigations.

    • FBI Agent's Belief of D.B. Cooper's FateDespite poor parachute equipment and harsh conditions, theories of Cooper's demise include Sasquatch or jet exhaust, but FBI tests suggest he likely perished during his jump

      The FBI believed D.B. Cooper died during his parachute jump due to the harsh conditions and the potential use of a fake bomb. Agent Ralph Himmelsbach, who wasn't even a lead agent on the case, became famous for his belief that Cooper died upon impact, possibly even with the money still attached to him. Cooper's jump was risky, with freezing temperatures, high altitude, and potentially treacherous terrain. The parachute he chose was not ideal for steering or controlling, and the backup chute he used was of poor quality. Despite some theories suggesting Cooper was eaten by Sasquatch or burned up by jet exhaust, the FBI conducted tests that suggested neither was likely. Instead, Cooper's fate remains a mystery, with many believing he perished during his daring escape.

    • Discovering the secrets of DB Cooper's jumpThe use of a 200-pound sled to mimic DB Cooper's jump revealed important information about the possible landing site, but many questions remain unanswered, and despite some clues being found, no new leads have been generated.

      The investigation into the DB Cooper hijacking incident revealed that the 200-pound sled used in the jump experiments did not come into contact with the jet exhaust, but it did mimic the same oscillation experienced by Cooper during the jump. This discovery helped determine the possible landing location of the hijacker. However, many questions remained unanswered, and despite some clues being found years later, such as a plastic instruction placard, no new leads were generated. The DB Cooper case had largely been forgotten about until renewed interest was sparked in the late 1970s, leading to the production of several bad movies, including one starring Treat Williams and Robert DeNiro. The investigation also highlighted the advanced methods used by Cooper to avoid leaving any traces behind, such as not leaving fingerprints on the cigarette butts. Overall, the DB Cooper hijacking remains one of the most intriguing unsolved cases in aviation history.

    • The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper: Real-life Clues and Fascinating StoriesExploring the unknown and unexplained through movies, podcasts, and real-life clues can lead to intriguing discoveries and captivating stories.

      The pursuit of the unknown and unexplained, as depicted in the movie "The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper," can lead to intriguing discoveries and captivating stories. The movie, which starts with the jump of the mysterious skyjacker D.B. Cooper, is largely fictional but based on real events. The discovery of $5,880 in bills by a young boy named Brian Ingram in 1980, which was discussed during the conversation, is a significant real-life clue in the ongoing mystery of D.B. Cooper. The way we consume and share media, including movies and podcasts, plays a crucial role in how we engage with and learn about these stories. For instance, watching the first few minutes of "The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper" on YouTube or listening to podcasts like "El Flow" can provide valuable insights into intriguing topics. Ultimately, the pursuit of knowledge and the sharing of stories can bring us closer to understanding the world around us.

    • New discovery in DB Cooper case renews interestA 2008 discovery of a parachute sparked renewed interest in the DB Cooper case, but it wasn't related to the crime. The discovery of DB Cooper's money in 1980 and its subsequent sale on eBay kept the mystery alive.

      The DB Cooper case, one of the most intriguing unsolved crimes in American history, continued to intrigue and confound investigators even decades after the event. In 2008, a parachute was discovered in Amboy, Washington, which sparked renewed interest in the case. However, it turned out to be from a 1945 jet crash, not related to DB Cooper. Despite this setback, the discovery brought new attention to the case and kept the mystery alive. The DB Cooper money, discovered in 1980, remained a puzzle, with theories suggesting it may have been transported in the Columbia River during floods or dredging. The money's appearance in an unexpected location and the subsequent sale of some of it on eBay for a significant profit added to the intrigue. The DB Cooper case serves as a reminder that even unsolved mysteries can captivate the public's imagination for generations.

    • The Identity of DB Cooper Remains a MysteryDespite various theories and suspects, the true identity of DB Cooper, the man behind the 1971 skyjacking incident, remains unknown.

      The DB Cooper case, an unsolved skyjacking incident from 1971, continues to intrigue due to the many theories surrounding the identity of the suspect. Some believe he was an ex-military person or an airline employee based on his knowledge of the plane and its components. Others suggest he might have been a CIA member due to his apparent knowledge of specific aircraft and events. The sketch of DB Cooper, which resembles Kevin Spacey or Don Draper, is the only physical description available. Prisoners have confessed to the crime, hoping for better conditions in federal prison, where cinnamon buns are reportedly a sought-after commodity. Despite numerous suspects and theories, the true identity of DB Cooper remains unknown.

    • Two Suspects in DB Cooper Case: Richard McCoy and Duane WeberFormer Green Beret Richard McCoy and career criminal Duane Weber are two suspects in the DB Cooper hijacking case, with McCoy having a strong alibi and Weber making a deathbed confession but lacking concrete evidence

      The DB Cooper case, one of the most intriguing unsolved crimes in American history, has seen numerous suspects over the years. Two of them are Richard McCoy and Duane Weber. McCoy, a former Green Beret, hijacked a plane in 1972 and asked for a large sum of money before parachuting out, making him a strong suspect. However, he was later caught and confessed to the crime while dying in prison, but his family claimed he was at home during the time of the hijacking. Duane Weber, a career criminal, claimed to be DB Cooper on his deathbed in 1995, but his wife, who was present, didn't recognize the name. After his death, she discovered that Dan Cooper was indeed DB Cooper, and she recalled a strange incident on a vacation in 1979 where her husband claimed to have seen DB Cooper exit the woods near the landing site. Despite the FBI ruling him out with DNA evidence, Duane Weber remains a popular suspect among some. In the end, the true identity of DB Cooper remains a mystery, with Kenny Christensen being another well-known suspect. The case continues to captivate the public and inspire intrigue.

    • Family Members Claiming to be DB CooperDespite lack of evidence, various family members have come forward claiming their loved ones were the notorious DB Cooper hijacker, leaving the case unsolved and full of intrigue.

      The DB Cooper hijacking case continues to intrigue due to the involvement of various family members who have come forward claiming their loved ones were the notorious hijacker. Lyle Cooper, a former Northwest Orient Airlines employee and brother of DB Cooper, attempted to use his connection to get Nora Ephron to write a movie about his brother being the main suspect. Another suspect, Kenny Christensen, also looked like DB Cooper and had a similar background. On his deathbed, he tried to confess to his brother but was met with resistance. Another family member, LD Cooper, was outed by his niece who claimed she overheard him confessing to the crime to her father. Despite some red flags, such as lack of skydiving experience, some believe LD Cooper's reckless nature could explain his involvement in the heist. The DB Cooper case remains the only unsolved airline hijacking in American history, leaving many questions unanswered.

    • The DB Cooper case, a notorious unsolved hijacking incident, continues to captivate the publicThe DB Cooper case led to increased aviation security measures and a lasting fascination with unsolved mysteries

      The DB Cooper case, a notorious unsolved hijacking incident from 1971, has captivated the public's imagination for decades. Fans, or "Cooper Sloots," have dedicated extensive resources to solving the mystery, including websites, festivals, and even the FBI's own evidence. The case led to increased security measures in air travel, such as metal detectors and the reinstatement of the death penalty for hijacking. A notable discovery was the identification of FBI agent Larry Carr as a prominent Cooper Sloot, who had been posting anonymously on a skydiving website. The case's impact is still felt today, with references in pop culture and continued investigations. The Cooper heist changed America forever, leading to significant aviation security measures and a lasting fascination with unsolved mysteries.

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