D.B. Cooper Day

D.B. Cooper Day is observed in the U.S. on November 24 each year to commemorate the mysterious hijacker who vanished without a trace. It’s the perfect day to learn fascinating details and join in the conversation.

History

In 1971, a man using the name Dan Cooper bought a plane ticket—no ID required in that era. Once the Boeing 727 was airborne, he handed a note to a flight attendant demanding $200,000, four parachutes, and refueling, warning that he had a bomb. The captain and airport officials met his demands, and after passengers disembarked, Cooper locked the flight attendants in the lavatory and parachuted into the night over the Pacific Northwest. His fate remains unknown, though some of the ransom money washed ashore years later.

Interesting Facts

• Cooper demanded four parachutes despite flying alone.
• During the investigation, dozens of impostors contacted the FBI claiming to be Cooper.
• FBI files on the case were officially closed in 2016 due to lack of evidence.
• Some witnesses described Cooper as having unnaturally styled hair—perhaps to disguise his identity.

How to Take Part

• Dive into books, documentaries, and newly released FBI files to uncover lesser-known details.
• Host a themed discussion or watch a film about the case with friends.
• Share your theories on social media using the #DBCooperDay hashtag.

When is D.B. Cooper Day in 2025?

D.B. Cooper Day is observed on November 24 each year.

Observations