SAs Reynolds and Steele to SAC Seattle with Q&A interview of parachuting expert on feasibility of Cooper's jump
This copy: Part 64 pp. 179–183Also filed at Part 14 pp. 67–71 (primary) · Part 98 pp. 210–213
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SAs Reynolds and Steele to SAC Seattle transmitting Q&A interview with parachuting expert
Document date 6 December 1971
Another copy of this document is the primary, most legible copy: Part 14 pp. 67–71.
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Id: Cooper-Part-64:179-183
Subject: Cooper Files: Cooper-Part-64:179-183 Document: Memo SAs Reynolds and Steele to SAC Seattle transmitting Q&A interview with parachuting expert Id: Cooper-Part-64:179-183 Page: https://cooper.theunsolved.net/documents/Cooper-Part-64%3A179-183 What is wrong (title, date, type, which pages belong together, copies)? What does the scan show?
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FBI 164-81, Vault Part 64 pp. 179–183 (DB Cooper-26995–26999), Memo, dated 6 Dec 1971 — cooper.theunsolved.net/documents/Cooper-Part-64%3A179-183
OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 MAY 1962 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO : SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)(P) DATE: 12/3/71
FROM : SA ROBERT ROSS REYNOLDS and SA DONALD J. STEELE
SUBJECT: UNKNOWN SUBJECT, aka Dan Cooper NORTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT #305, PORTLAND TO SEATTLE, 11/24/71 CAA-HIJACKING; EXTORTION OO: SEATTLE
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SUB PARACHUTES
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On 12/3/71, [REDACTED], telephone [REDACTED], advised as follows:
Q. [REDACTED], given the following set of circumstances, the Boeing 727 which you are generally familiar with, the rear stairway flying at 10,000 feet through clouds at about 178 knots on IFR Flight, what would be the conditions that would exist as soon as the cabin was depressurized?
A. As soon as the hatch was cracked, there would be depression matters of the aircraft. The lowering of the stairwell would create a effect on the entire aircraft because the air flow is disrupted here which would naturally effect the aircraft.
Q. This would have no material effect on the jumper physiologically at this altitude?
A. No, not at 10,000 feet.
Q. This would be a very practical altitude in which to jump?
A. Certainly.
Q. Would this be an ideal type aircraft from which to make a daylight or night jump?
A. Yes.
RRR/DJS:md (1)
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DB Cooper-26995 SEARCHED __ INDEXED __ SERIALIZED [REDACTED] DEC 6 1971 FBI — SEATTLE
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Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
SE 164-81
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Q. [REDACTED] A. [REDACTED] Q. [REDACTED] A. [REDACTED] Q. [REDACTED] A. [REDACTED]
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Q. Given the consitions at night time with clouds below to about 7,000 feet and partial clouds and intermittent clouds taken to a ceiling about 4,000 feet, would this present any problems to a jumper?
A. There again we're dealing with variables. If a man knew what altitude at the time he was leaving the aircraft, there are two ways to determine his altitude on opening:
1. From the second hand on a wristwatch; 2. A wrist type altimeter.
Q. Making this jump, what would be practical for the man to do? To open the chute immediately or to wait until he had a view of the ground?
A. I would wait at least ten seconds before pulling. This way I am not only clear of the aircraft, but I am also out of visual sight of the aircraft or any aircraft in the area. Cloud covering is an advantage but not knowing where the ground is, is a problem because of the peaks in the area. The above procedure would be in effect if I was not in familiar territory. Another advantage of an early chute opening would be for the jumper to select the best drop zone possible.
In unfamiliar territory and wherein a light might be observed, would give the jumper not only an idea of his altitude but an opportunity for steering himself toward a suitable drop zone.
In chuting in familiar territory, this type of dropp would be rather "simple to an experienced jumper". This would allow the jumper to "free-fall" for the full
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DB Cooper-26996
SE 164-81
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40 second delay time. This would put him at approximately 2,000 feet altitute when the chute opens which still gives him another three minutes to the ground.
Footwear for an experienced jumper is inconsequential.
Jumping into a heavily wooded area is also relatively simple.
Jumping into water is even more simple for an experienced jumper.
Q. If the wind velocity at 10,000 feet was 25 knots and the ground level five knots, roughly how far could he travel?
A. He would be in the saddle for ten minutes. On a clear and pull situation (immediate opening of the chute), he could go five miles on the wind line or wind direction; and a normal delayed opening maximum distance with a five knot wind would be two or three thousand feet. Even with a non-steerable chute, by taking hold of the risers and facing into the wind and making an almost direct descent which would also produce a very soft landing equivalent to stepping off a chair.
Q. Would the speed of the plane at 178 knots present any problem?
A. No, not for a jumper.
Q. Based on the information we have discussed, here, does this jump present any problem to an experienced jumper?
A. None whatsoever.
Q. Do you think this man made this type of jump before.
A. I would say he has made some high altitude jumps before. The mere fact that the jumper requested 15 degree flaps and gear down to increase drag would also indicate the jumper was an experienced high altitude parachutist.
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DB Cooper-26997
SE 164-81
Q. In a free-fall from 10,000 feet to approximately 2,000 feet, what would be his rate of speed at rip cord pull?
A. 120 miles per hour which is normal free-fall terminal speed within the atmosphere because the speed increases upon the increase of altitude.
Q. What would the possibility be of the jumper suffering ankle or leg injuries in wearing oxford street shoes?
A. No more than if he had jump boots on. It shouldn't create any problem. [REDACTED]
From the information furnished regarding the above situation, it is my opinion that this jumper was experienced and I would say having at least 150 jumps.
Q. What would your guess be as to the number of jumpers in the country that could pull this type of jump off?
A. At least 1000 people.
In the "Parachutist" put out by the U. S. Parachute Association, there are listed the names and state from which they are from for every individual which has obtained a license, whether it is Class A, B, C, D, or I.
A Class C jumper could have made the above jump. There are currently 7192 licensed Class C jumpers-to say nothing of Class D or I.
As of this month, there are 3094 Class D jumpers.
Class I is not given.
The above figures do not include military personnel that have done high altitude free-fall jumps. There is no way to determine how many jumpers would be in that category.
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DB Cooper-26998
SE 164-81
The only time lapse necessary from departure of the aircraft to the opening of the chute is that time needed to stabilize the body and this is determined by each jumpers capabilities.
Q. [redacted] Would accepting an unfamiliar chute present any problem to this person?
A. It wouldn't bother me. I would certainly check it over as would any experienced jumper.
Q. This would take less than ten minutes?
A. Yes.
Q. Could an average Forest Service Smoke Jumper pull off this job?
A. I doubt it. Bearing in mind smoke jumpers are for the most part all static line jumpers as is military, and unless they're doing some skydiving on the side.
In all likelihood, the smoke jumper could be eliminated.
Q. [redacted], would you discuss the age factor of a man 45 to 50 in parachute jumping? How many are active?
A. Very few.
However, high altitude jumpers in that age group would be extremely limited. These would be officials of jump clubs or parachute governing bodies and/or instructors.
Q. Bringing the age factor into this, would that change your estimate of the [guess: ease] with which this jump could be performed?
A. No, because of the fact it requires no special physical condition to pull off a jump if you know what you're doing.
Q. Could you estimate how many residents in the State of Washington or Oregon could have pulled this off?
A. No.
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DB Cooper-26999
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b6 b7C
Serials: SE 164-81