A hidden parachute rig and family revelations reignite interest in America's only unsolved airplane hijacking case after more than five decades.

According to Popular Science, federal investigators may reopen the infamous D.B. Cooper case following the discovery of a potentially crucial piece of evidence—a modified military surplus bailout parachute—kept in storage by the family of suspect Richard McCoy II.

The case gained notoriety on November 24, 1971, when a mysterious passenger who called himself Dan Cooper hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305. Armed with what he claimed was a bomb inside his briefcase, Cooper demanded $200,000 and four parachutes during the flight from Portland to Seattle. After receiving the ransom in Seattle, he jumped from the aircraft somewhere between Seattle and Portland, vanishing into the dark night sky with the money.

Fresh Evidence Emerges From McCoy Family Archives

D.B. Cooper investigator Dan Gryder recently obtained access to what he believes could be definitive evidence linking the hijacking to Richard McCoy II. The McCoy children, Chanté and Richard III chose to break their silence following their mother Karen's death in 2020. They provided Gryder with their father's skydiving log and a specially modified military parachute rig that allegedly connects to both the D.B. Cooper incident and a similar hijacking in Utah.

The parachute rig has captured significant attention from investigators. Gryder describes it as "literally one in a billion," suggesting its unique modifications could provide the physical evidence the FBI has long sought. The discovery prompted federal agents to conduct a thorough four-hour search of the McCoy family property in North Carolina.

Richard McCoy III has provided DNA samples to authorities and expressed willingness to allow his father's body to be exhumed for further analysis. This development marks the first documented FBI involvement in the case since its official closure in 2016.

The Complex Legacy of Richard McCoy II

McCoy's connection to the D.B. Cooper case has long intrigued investigators. Just five months after the Cooper hijacking, McCoy executed an almost identical airplane robbery. Unlike the elusive D.B. Cooper, McCoy's attempt resulted in his capture within 72 hours, thanks to fingerprints left on the aircraft.

Following his conviction and 45-year prison sentence, McCoy maintained his innocence. His story took another dramatic turn when he escaped from a maximum-security facility in Pennsylvania in 1974. The fugitive's freedom was short-lived, as he died in a shootout with law enforcement in Virginia City, Virginia, three months later.

The FBI had previously considered McCoy a principal suspect in the D.B. Cooper case, though many critics dismissed the connection. His children's recent decision to share family secrets has added new dimensions to the investigation.

FBI Response And Ongoing Investigation Status

The FBI's renewed interest in the case represents a significant shift from their 2016 position. As stated by the Bureau in 2016:

Although the FBI appreciated the immense number of tips provided by members of the public, none to date have resulted in a definitive identification of the hijacker... In order to solve a case, the FBI must prove culpability beyond a reasonable doubt, and, unfortunately, none of the well-meaning tips or applications of new investigative technology have yielded the necessary proof.

The Bureau's recent four-hour inspection of the McCoy property, involving multiple vehicles and agents, suggests serious consideration of the new evidence. However, official comments remain limited, with the FBI redirecting inquiries to their last case update from 2016.

Moving Forward With The Investigation

The investigation's future hinges on several critical factors. Richard McCoy III's DNA samples and potential exhumation of his father's remains could provide definitive answers to questions that have persisted for over half a century. The modified parachute rig's forensic examination may also yield crucial evidence.

The family's cooperation marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation. Their decision to share information previously withheld to protect their mother has opened new avenues for investigation. The timing of these revelations, coming after Karen McCoy's death, adds credibility to their statements.

The evidence collection process continues as investigators work to establish a definitive connection between McCoy and the D.B. Cooper identity. This methodical approach reflects the FBI's commitment to thorough verification before making any official determinations.

Looking Back At America's Most Enduring Aviation Mystery

The D.B. Cooper hijacking left an indelible mark on American criminal history. The infamous skyjacking in 1971 spawned one of the most extensive FBI investigations ever conducted, generating over 800 potential suspect leads during its 45-year span. Despite these efforts, the case remained unsolved and was officially closed in 2016.

Now, thanks to the McCoy family's revelations and the discovery of potentially crucial physical evidence, federal authorities may finally close this long-standing case. The investigation centers on Richard McCoy II, who conducted a similar hijacking months after the D.B. Cooper incident and met a violent end in a police shootout after escaping prison.

If the FBI's examination of the newly discovered parachute rig and DNA evidence confirms the connection, it would resolve one of America's most intriguing criminal mysteries, finally putting to rest decades of speculation about the true identity of D.B. Cooper.

Why This Story Matters

This case encapsulates a pivotal moment in aviation and criminal history, symbolizing one of the greatest mysteries in the FBI annals. The potential reopening of the investigation does not only signify advancements in forensic science but highlights a continuing quest for justice and closure. Understanding the true story behind D.B. Cooper could provide lessons in security, investigation, and the limits of modern forensics, making it a case of particular significance beyond its sensational elements.

In conclusion, the possibly rekindled investigation into the D.B. Cooper case by the FBI, spurred by the efforts of individuals outside the traditional law enforcement channels, underlines the undying appeal and mystery of one of America's most intriguing criminal cases. As new evidence is assessed, it again captivates a global audience, eager for a resolution to a decades-old enigma.