Dave! Come out of my basement, let’s go down the pub!
Erm… Jimmy… stay there…
Nope. From the Wiki article:
In 1976 discussion arose over impending expiration of the statute of limitations on the hijacking. Most published legal analysis agreed that it would make little difference, as interpretation of the statute varies considerably from case to case and court to court, and a prosecutor could argue that Cooper had forfeited immunity on any of several valid technical grounds. The question was rendered moot in November when a Portland grand jury returned an indictment in absentia against “John Doe, aka Dan Cooper” for air piracy and violation of the Hobbs Act. The indictment formally initiated prosecution that can be continued, should the hijacker be apprehended, at any time in the future.
No he didn’t. Story continues.
The non-BS, validated evidence leaves very little room for any other conclusion. But argue anecdotes and bizarre conspiracy theories all day, if you like.
That’s half the fun with unsolved mysteries, decades later!
Well, in that case, I contend DBC was one of the Sodder children.
Not really DB Cooper, but Justified did a story with the same sort of intrigue. They kept the parachutist unknown until the end of the season. What a great show.
At the time it was found, some thought that it may have flowed down one of the Columbia’s tributaries. The Toutle to the Cowlitz to the Columbia was the most common suggestion, as I recall.
I remember reading that police were concerned that he would make one of the flight attendants jump with him so gave him fully functioning parachutes.
…what they thought were four fully functioning parachutes…
Actually three, and a training chute. Oops.
Thus the genius of him requesting multiple parachutes. If he only asked for one, maybe they could have gotten away with it. Since he asked for four, there was no way of telling who he was taking with him and who would use which chute. Smart move.
I wonder if parachutes are okay as carry-on these days?
Yes!
[QUOTE= The TSA]
You may transport parachutes, either with or without Automatic Activation Devices, in carry-on or checked baggage.
Parachutes should always be packed separately from other baggage. If a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) determines that a bag must be opened to inspect the parachute, you MUST be present to assist the TSO in the inspection. If you are not within the appropriate screening area, you will be paged using the airport intercom system; if you are not present to assist with screening the parachute, the parachute will not be permitted on the plane. For this reason, passengers with parachutes are encouraged to add 30 minutes to the airlines’ recommended arrival window. TSA is not responsible for repacking parachutes. All parachutes should be thoroughly inspected at their end destination to make sure that the equipment is still safe to use.
Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.
[/QUOTE]