SAC Sacramento to SAC Seattle re parachute expert interview (file copy, serial 164-81-1626)

12/15/71

AIRTEL AIRMAIL - REGISTERED

TO: SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)

FROM: SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50)(P)

NORJAK OO: SE

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On 12/14/71, [REDACTED] [REDACTED] California, who has been engaged in parachute sales, manufacturing, repair and alterations for about 47 years, was contacted relative to suspects and general information in connection with this matter. [REDACTED] has been contacted previously, primarily in connection with TGP cases in which a few parachutes, reportedly stolen, were sent to him for alterations. [REDACTED] is apparently well regarded in this business and from previous contacts with him, it appears that he does repair and alteration work for numerous sky divers throughout the United States.

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[REDACTED] advised he can suggest no specific suspects, primarily due to the fact that he has very limited personal contact with his customers. He advised that most of his work is sent to him by the owner and that he returns it to the owner by mail or other commercial delivery.

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(2) - Seattle (Enc. 1)(RM) 2 - Sacramento DPF:epg (4)

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164-81-1626

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DB Cooper-5286 [signature/initials]

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b6 b7C

SC 164-50

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[REDACTED] advised he had reviewed his records relative to the name [REDACTED] and located only two matters under that name. He advised on 12/10/70, he shipped some material to [REDACTED] Seattle, Washington. On 8/16/71, he shipped some material to [REDACTED] Snohomish, Washington. He advised he has no reason to consider the above as suspects other than the last name. He also advised from the handwriting on the letters received requesting material, it is likely that these are the same persons, as the hand- writing is similar. The handwriting is available, should it be desired for comparison purposes.

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[REDACTED] advised the only central records he knows of regarding a mailing list for sky divers or clubs would be the association in Monterey, California, which distributes a magazine nationwide and should have a mailing list.

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[REDACTED] advised that he doubts the person who committed this crime was a sky diver. He noted that he has heard that the parachutes furnished to the man were a commercial brand named "Pioneer" and a now surplus Navy parachute designated "NB-8". He stated if this is a fact, he doubts the man is a sky diver inasmuch as anyone with sky-diving experience would have asked for a sky-diving type parachute, which neither of the above are.

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[REDACTED] further advised that the above parachutes would be hazardous to use inasmuch as that type of chute would open very quickly, with a possibility of tearing, and both have a high rate of descent and very limited control. In his opinion, a person using such a chute would probably have prior military jumping experience but would not have sky-diving experience. He further noted that an experienced sky diver would have asked for a chute such as a "Para-Commander", which would be readily available in an area such as Seattle, Washington. This type of parachute opens more slowly, is very maneuverable, and has a much slower rate of descent.

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b6 b7C

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DB Cooper-5287

SC 164-50

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[REDACTED] made available a catalog regarding parachute equipment, including a glossary of parachute terms, which he thought might be of assistance in talking with persons in the parachuting field. A copy of this catalog is enclosed for Seattle.

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LEADS:

SEATTLE:

AT SEATTLE AND SNOHOMISH, WASHINGTON:

Will conduct appropriate checks regarding [REDACTED] probably same person, as suspects.

Will furnish Sacramento with precise description of parachute equipment furnished and utilized in this case so that [REDACTED] can be recontacted to confirm his opinion regarding this matter.

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b6 b7C

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3

DB Cooper-5288