Interview report LV 164-60 of flight attendant re hijacker's aircraft knowledge and parachutes

LV 164-60

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The hijacker further indicated to [REDACTED] that as soon as this lowering of the door and stairs were accomplished in flight, she would be permitted to go to the pilot's compartment. During the period of furnishing these conditions, the hijacker became extremely annoyed over the time required to refuel the plane as he had ordered.

The hijacker displayed an extensive knowledge of the aircraft and seemed specifically well informed in refueling procedures to the point that the crew had difficulty in convincing him that only 96% of the required fuel was on board at the time he was protesting the fact that refueling had not been completed. It was also during this time (when he was upset concerning refueling) that he complained to [REDACTED] also that he had requested the money be delivered to him in a knapsack and instead it was delivered in a cloth bank-type bag, which displeased him. It was at this time that [REDACTED] recalls he stated that he would be forced to use one of the parachutes to rewrap the money since he had not been furnished a knapsack container. [REDACTED] recalled that it was at about this time she observed a small green paper bag (contents unknown). She stated that she recalled no other packages or luggage belonging to the hijacker except for the attache case and this small green paper bag. She also recalls that it was at about this time she again offered to get him something to eat or drink, which offer he refused as he had several previous offers. She clearly recalled that he accepted no refreshments of any kind while he was on board the aircraft.

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[REDACTED] recalled that it was at this time that the hijacker requested that all notes, including the one he had furnished to [REDACTED] and those written by [REDACTED] to be returned to him. In this connection she also recalled that he was a chain smoker. At one time she lit a cigarette for him with the last match in the paper match folder. When she attempted to discard the empty card folder, the hijacker decisively took it from her and placed it into one of his

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DB Cooper-32604

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42

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b6 b7C

LV 164-60

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pockets, stating he did not want her to throw it away. She recalled that he smoked Raleigh filter tips. In commenting concerning the hijacker's actions in general, she stated that she recalled some conversation to the effect that the parachutes were coming from Mc Chord Air Force Base. The hijacker remarked that it was about 20 minutes from Mc Chord to the Seattle - Tacoma Airport. She also recalled that while they were in the holding pattern prior to landing, he at one time looked out the window and observed "We're over Tacoma now". [REDACTED] [REDACTED] indicated that there had been no announcement or no mention that the aircraft was over Tacoma and she accordingly concluded that the hijacker was familiar with the area.

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After refueling was completed and takeoff appeared imminent, the crew called on the intercom and advised that after checking with appropriate authorities, they had been told that the fuel load would not permit them to fly nonstop to Mexico City, or anywhere in Mexico, in fact. They pointed out that the range of fuel was such that they recommended landing to refuel somewhere in the San Francisco, California area. The hijacker countered with Phoenix, Arizona, as an alternative landing for refueling. When the crew responded in the negative due to the distance to Phoenix, Arizona, he at that time stated the aircraft could make Yuma, Arizona, or Reno, Nevada, and he preferred a landing in Reno, Nevada. The crew called back and stated they would proceed to Reno, Nevada.

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[REDACTED] stated that upon takeoff from Seattle, the hijacker was in seat 18-D or E (occupying both seats at various times) and she was seated across the aisle in 18-C. It was during this time, as she recalls it, that he was occupied with opening one of the parachute packs (recalling the color of the parachute as a bright pink-orange color) and attempting to in some way pack the money in a parachute container in order that he could in some way attach it to his body along with the regular parachute straps. Her recollections in this regard were vague, but she stated she clearly recalled his removing a small jack knife from his pocket and cutting some portion of either the outside container or the parachute in order to

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b6 b7C b6 b7C

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DB Cooper-32605

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·43

LV 164-60

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quickly complied with this request, going to the first class cabin, closing the curtain behind her, then proceeding to the cockpit and closing and locking the cockpit door behind her. She did not thereafter leave the pilot's com- partment and had no further conversation with the hijacker face to face or via the intercom.

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[REDACTED] furnished the following physical description of the unknown subject, it being noted that [REDACTED] is approximately 5'8" in height and she observed the hijacker in a seated position except for the brief period when he went to the lavatory. She also commented that at no time did he remove the dark glasses he was wearing and, consequently, she was unable to observe his eyes or eyebrows:

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Race White Sex Male Age Mid 40's Height 5'10" to 6' Weight 180 to 190 pounds Build Medium, well built Hair Dark brown, had sideburns partially past ears, hair parted and combed back Complexion Medium, smooth Characteristics Wore dark rimmed wrap-around glasses with black frames, concealed eyes entire time; Had no accent, possibly from West or Midwest; Had low voice Clothing Dark top coat, brown suit, brown shoes, and noted black tie and tie tack found on plane was possibly his.

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b6 b7c

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[guess: p 25]

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DB Cooper-32607