FD-263 cover pages, NORJAK report: administrative, suspect-processing steps and hijacker profile
This copy: Part 76 pp. 60–72Also filed at Part 41 pp. 7–20 (primary) · Part 60 pp. 282–295 · Part 95 pp. 247–259
This copy’s own title
Cover pages A–M, Seattle report re NORJAK, suspect processing steps and profile of the unsub
Document date 30 May 1973
Another copy of this document is the primary, most legible copy: Part 41 pp. 7–20.
Copies may differ in what was redacted.
Report a problem
Email this to [email protected]
Id: Cooper-Part-76:060-072
Subject: Cooper Files: Cooper-Part-76:060-072 Document: Cover pages A–M, Seattle report re NORJAK, suspect processing steps and profile of the unsub Id: Cooper-Part-76:060-072 Page: https://cooper.theunsolved.net/documents/Cooper-Part-76%3A060-072 What is wrong (title, date, type, which pages belong together, copies)? What does the scan show?
A person reads every report. Corrections are made by hand, to the data — titles, dates, names, which pages belong together — never to the scans, and they can take a while to appear.
FBI 164-81, Vault Part 76 pp. 60–72 (DB Cooper-33028, DB Cooper-33030, DB Cooper-33031, DB Cooper-33032, DB Cooper-33033, DB Cooper-33034, DB Cooper-33035, DB Cooper-33036, DB Cooper-33037, DB Cooper-33038, DB Cooper-33039, DB Cooper-33040, DB Cooper-33041), Report, dated 30 May 1973 — cooper.theunsolved.net/documents/Cooper-Part-76%3A060-072
FD-263 (Rev. 1-7-72)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
REPORT OF OFFICE: SEATTLE DATE: MAY 3 0 1973 INVESTIGATIVE PERIOD: 11/24/71 - 5/25/73
TITLE OF CASE: UNKNOWN SUBJECT; aka Dan Cooper NORTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT #305 PORTLAND, OREGON, TO SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, 11/24/71
REPORT MADE BY: [blank] TYPED BY: b6 / b7C
CHARACTER OF CASE: CAA - HIJACKING; EXTORTION
Sub G-G
---
REFERENCE: Seattle report of SA CHARLES E. FARRELL, dated 2/16/72.
- P -
ADMINISTRATIVE
A code name for this case has been given by the Bureau as "NORJAK" and will be used in all communications.
The purpose of this report is to advise the Bureau and auxiliary offices of the pertinent investigation that has already occurred since SA CHARLES E. FARRELL's report of February 16, 1972, in order to facilitate future NORJAK investigation. Pursuant to this, no copy has been designated for the USA at Seattle.
---
ACCOMPLISHMENTS CLAIMED: X: NONE CONVIC./FUG.: FINES: SAVINGS: RECOVERIES: ACQUIT-TALS:
CASE HAS BEEN: PENDING OVER ONE YEAR: [X]Yes [ ]No PENDING PROSECUTION: OVER SIX MONTHS: [ ]Yes [X]No
APPROVED: SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE COPIES MADE:
DO NOT WRITE IN SPACES BELOW
16 41 - 8/- 4/19-9
FOR COPIES SEE NEXT PAGE
SEfile: 164-81
5 - locale [guess: locale]
Dissemination Record of Attached Report | Notations Agency: Request Recd.: Date Fwd.: How Fwd.: By:
---
DB Cooper-33028
SE 164-81
---
Leads concerning suspects will not be set forth in this report as they are being handled by separate com- munication.
There are currently 637 suspects, 470 of whom have been eliminated. New suspects are being developed and systematic elimination of these suspects continues.
In an effort to facilitate interoffice communi- cations, it is requested that all field offices originating NORJAK communications, not only refer to the appropriate communications but also include the suspect(s) name and alias(es) if known on the first page under the title NORJAK.
For the information of all field offices, the Bureau advised by airtel September 15, 1972, that this is the only aircraft hijacking in which the subject has not been identified and apprehended nor the ransom money recovered. All leads in this important case are to be set forth expeditiously. The investigation of this case is to be vigorously pursued in all facets in order to bring it to a successful completion.
It is noted that the investigative period overlaps previous NORJAK reports. This has been done since previous reports were not distributed to all field offices.
It is noted that Unsub in this matter is almost universally called "D. B. COOPER" by the press, the public, and even by Bureau personnel. Factually, there is no basis for this alias. As a possible explanation for the existence of the alias "D. B. COOPER" the following sequence of events is offered:
While the hijacking was in progress on the evening of November 24, 1971, it was established that a [REDACTED] b6 had boarded the flight at Portland, but was not among the b7C passengers who deplaned at Seattle.
As a result, the name [REDACTED] was checked b6 through the Bureau indices, which revealed an Identification b7C Record for a [REDACTED], FBI Number [REDACTED], born in [REDACTED] with an [REDACTED] in [REDACTED]
---
-B- COVER PAGE
---
DB Cooper-33030- 7
SE 164-81
---
INVESTIGATIVE STEPS TO PROCESS NORJAK SUSPECTS
In checking on suspect [REDACTED] that evening, the Portland Division advised that he definitely had been eliminated. A police officer of The Dalles, Oregon Police Department, visited him in The Dalles, and definitely identified him as the above [REDACTED] and the fact was noted that he could not have been on the plane since he was at The Dalles.
There was no FBI release to the press concerning the above suspect, but the press coverage in Oregon, and in the State of Washington was so intense, it may have become known to the press, that the above [REDACTED] was contacted by a police officer.
---
It is suggested that the fact that the name "D.B. COOPER" is not involved in this matter not be given publicity outside the Bureau in order to utilize this fact as an aid in the initial evaluation of new leads.
---
INVESTIGATIVE STEPS TO PROCESS NORJAK SUSPECTS
This list in no way represents all the means avail- able to process a suspect. Each individual case prompts a different method; one or more of the below listed methods have been used in the past.
1. Obtain current descriptive data (particularly useful is age, height and complexion)
2. Ascertain location on November 24, 1971, by
(a) checking employment records.
(b) checking cancelled checks or credit card transactions.
(c) interviewing acquaintances or relatives (note November 24th was the day before Thanksgiving, 1971).
3. Ascertain present location to determine if he is alive or if he appears to be in hiding.
---
-C- COVER PAGE
---
DB Cooper-33031
SE 164-81
---
4. Ascertain if he has knowledge of airplanes or parachuting (i.e. private pilot's license, skydiving experience, or military jump experience).
5. Obtain current photograph, color if possible, to display to witnesses. (Note: All NORJAK eyewitnesses have been repeatedly contacted and have reviewed numerous photographs. Up to now they have been extremely cooperative, not withstanding the many contacts they have endured both at work and at home. Based on the above, these witnesses will not be contacted to view photographs unless there is no other way to eliminate a suspect).
6. Compare suspect's fingerprints and palm prints with NORJAK partials on file in the Identifica- tion Bureau.
7. Ascertain if he is in any way familiar with the Pacific Northwest area and in particular if he ever flew over this area.
8. Check current financial situation and contrast it to his situation prior to NORJAK.
9. Determine if he smokes cigarettes or if he ever smoked cigarettes. (Note: Unsub smoked Raleigh cigarettes).
10. Determine if he was registered at a motel or hotel near the Portland Airport just prior to NORJAK.
11. Determine if he made any trial runs prior to NORJAK on airlines flying between Portland and Seattle.
12. Determine if has a safe deposit box and con- sider feasibility of obtaining a court order to determine its contents.
13. Compare his hair to hair fiber found on NORJAK airplane.
---
- D - COVER PAGE
---
DB Cooper-33032
SE 164-81
---
14. Check medical records (subject was apparently in good health and athletic at the time of NORJAK but he could have been injured in the jump).
15. Determine if he had reason to have a grudge on November 24, 1971. (Possibilities might be loss of job, especially airline-related job, Vietnam War, ethnic freedom, etc.)
16. Determine his criminal background. (It is felt Unsub was not an experienced criminal.)
17. Determine suspect's educational background. (Unsub was probably a high school graduate and may have had further education.)
18. Determine if he is or was an alcoholic. (It is felt Unsub was not an alcoholic.)
19. Determine if he has an accent of any kind. (Unsub did not.)
20. Determine if the tie or tie tac found on NORJAK belongs to suspect.
21. Check suspect's name through
(a) St. Louis Office for military records to determine jump experience. (Note: need service number or SSAN.)
(b) Airline Pilot Association (ALPA), head- quarters Washington, D.C.
(c) Parachute Club of America, U.S. Parachute Association, PO Box 109, Monterey, Cali- fornia 93940.
(d) Raleigh Coupon Redemption Center, Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company, Hill Street, Louisville, Kentucky. (Records kept only one year.)
---
-E- COVER PAGE
---
DB Cooper-33033
SE 164-81
---
PROFILE
The purpose of the following information is to conveniently list all the known facts concerning the hi- jacker's profile and to combine them with suppositions that can be reasonably inferred from those facts. The suppositions have been included to aid in processing a suspect. They should not be considered as concrete facts, nor should they be used as the sole determining factor in drawing investi- gative conclusions.
---
SUMMARY
Unsub was a well spoken, conservative gentleman; probably a Catholic with Mexican or Indian blood. He was not an alcoholic. He probably lived in the Portland or Seattle areas or had flown more than once over these areas. He apparently had no accomplices. He was not an experienced skydiver and most probably received his jump training in the military. His hijacking plan was not well thought out, and he was probably not an experienced criminal. He was apparently having financial troubles prior to November, 1971, and he may have previously worked in an airline- related indus try.
The reasons for the above suppositions are in- cluded below.
---
BACKGROUND
It is felt Unsub was not an experienced criminal because of his mannerism exhibited after he received the ransom money. Unsub reportedly became somewhat childish in his actions and comments while counting the money.
Unsub was familiar with the Seattle area, as indicated by his comments concerning the plane's location as it flew over Tacoma, Washington. In addition, Unsub made a comment as to the distance McChord Air Force Base was in relation to Sea-Tac Airport. Unsub reportedly indicated McChord was approximately 20 minutes from Sea-Tac, which is essentially correct.
---
- F - COVER PAGE
DB Cooper-33034
SE 164-81
---
Unsub stated he was hijacking the aircraft because of a grudge. He may have had a relative, possibly a son, killed in Vietnam or he may have had recent finan- cial problems which would foster such a grudge.
Unsub's complexion has been described as swarthy or dark. The grudge may be associated with his background which could possibly be Indian, Mexican or possibly Italian descent. Note unsub has been described by witness [REDACTED] as definitely having some Mexican or Indian "blood" in him.
It is noted the northwest area at the time of the hijacking was suffering from a depressed economic condition, and since Unsub was familiar with the Seattle area as in- dicated above, it is possible Unsub was out of work at the time of NORJAK. In addition, Unsub demonstrated considerable knowledge of aircraft and of flying, and it is felt he was employed in the aircraft industry, either civilian or military at one time in his life, therefore, it is logical to assume unsub may possibly have been out of work in an airlines-related industry.
His actions and reactions that occurred throughout the hijacking indicate unsub probably was not a desperate man, nor was he mentally ill such as a paranoid type. Unsub exhibited an unusually calm manner throughout the whole hijacking.
Unsub was probably a "loner" and carried out the hijacking by himself, with no partners. Throughout the hijacking, he exhibited a competency in reacting to various situations that arose. It is believed that Unsub was not an experienced criminal, but a victim of circumstances.
Unsub's physical build and his handiness with the parachute shroud lines indicates coordination and some physical ability as well as inventiveness. (It is noted that during the hijacking unsub requested a knapsack to put the money in and he received a small white bag instead. Unsub took a small pocket knife from his person and fashioned a means to attach the small bag to his body using parachute lines from an unused parachute. Since it is
---
- G - COVER PAGE
---
DB Cooper-33035.
---
b6 b7c
SE 164-81
---
believed unsub was not well prepared for the hijacking and had not thoroughly thought the hijacking out, he most pro- bably always carries a small pocket knife with him.
The following information tends to indicate unsub was somewhat conservative in his thinking and dress:
1. Short style hair
2. Age mid 40's
3. Dark colored suit, dark colored raincoat, white shirt, narrow black tie.
4. Unsub did not swear and showed a great deal of respect for the stewardesses on the airline because they were women. (Unsub engaged in a small argument with one of the passengers, as well as experiencing extremely tense and nervous situations, and through it all he never used profane language - this might indicate he is possibly a religious man. Since he did drink, and since he is possibly religious, he probably is not a Baptist or Mormon.)
---
The following information tends to indicate Unsub possibly possessed athletic ability:
1. His physical build was described as average to well built, even though his age was described as in his mid-40's.
2. Unsub exhibited some physical dexterity using his hands and a small knife.
3. Unsub apparently parachuted from an aircraft at night; something that would require no small degree of physical ability.
It is felt unsub possibly maintains his physical well being through regular exercise.
---
- H - COVER PAGE
---
DB Cooper-33036
SE 164-81
---
The following information tends to indicate the Unsub was a gentleman:
1. He offered to tip the stewardesses on the NORJAK flight after he received his ransom money. He did not offer them ransom money as the tip, but used his own money.
2. During the entire hijacking he did not use profane language.
3. Throughout the hijacking he maintained a calm demeanor and spoke low and intelligently.
---
The following information tends to indicate Unsub lived in the northwest area at some time in his life:
1. Unsub knew the distance from McChord to Sea-Tac and recognized Tacoma, Washington from the air.
2. Unsub was dressed in a suit and lightweight overcoat which is commonly worn by many north- west area residents.
3. No accent or unusual speech mannerisms were detected by the Northwest Airlines stewardesses who had a chance to observe him.
---
SPORT PARACHUTIST
The hijacker is probably not a sports parachutist nor is he a member of a sport parachute club. The reasons for this are as follows:
1. The hijacker requested two back parachutes and two front parachutes. He gave no specific instructions as to the type of parachute that he desired. (i.e. a sports parachutist would probably have requested a steerable sport [guess: parachute]
---
- I - COVER PAGE
---
DB Cooper-33037
SE 164-81
---
2. Several sport parachutists have advised that a sport parachutist possesses an emotional attachment to his parachute and probably would not jump from an aircraft with anyone else's chute, nor would they jump with a chute they had not packed themselves.
The hijacker was furnished a parachute that opens quickly, has a high rate of descent, and one that was not steerable.
---
3. The hijacker was furnished two front parachutes, commonly called chest packs which are to be used in an emergency when the back pack parachute or main parachute fails to open properly. The chest pack parachute the hijacker took with him was a dummy parachute. It was designed for lectures to demon- strate to new parachutists the proper method of opening a chest pack parachute. It is felt an experienced sports para- chutist would probably have noticed this defect.
---
4. Unsub's age has been described as mid 40's and it is noted that the average age in most sport parachute clubs is mid 20's. If Unsub was a member of a sport parachute club he would certainly be an unusual member, one that would be easily recognized by the other members, as well as one that was well known because of his unusual age. It is felt that due to the large amount of publicity afforded this case, someone in a sport parachute club would have recognized his fellow "sky diver" as being identical with Unsub if in fact Unsub was a member of any sports parachute club.
---
When the stewardess presented the parachutes to the hijacker she also presented an instruction sheet on how to utilize a parachute. At that time, Unsub stated he did not need any instructions concerning the use of a parachute.
---
Since Unsub did not specify a specific type of chute and because of the above reasoning concerning Unsub's age, it is felt Unsub was not an experienced jumper or even a sport jumper. In addition; Unsub probably had some jump training most probably obtained while in the military.
---
- J - COVER PAGE
---
DB Cooper-33038
SE 164-81
---
HABITS
Unsub drinks in moderation and is probably not an alcoholic. Unsub ordered one bourbon and seven at the be- ginning of the flight and although he was offered several free drinks later, he turned them down. This would indicate that Unsub possessed sufficient willpower to refuse alcohol in a tension-filled situation. It is believed an alcoholic or a former alcoholic who had just had one drink and was placed in a situation of similar stress would succumb to the pressure and imbibe in the free drinks offered him by the stewardesses.
Located in the ashtray utilized by Unsub were eight cigarette butts, seven of which have been identified by the FBI Laboratory as Raleigh filter cigarettes, and the eighth cigarette is possibly the same. These cigar- ettes are sold in a "soft pack". Unsub was in the aircraft eight hours in an extremely tense situation. During the eight hours, he had eight cigarettes. A two-pack-a-day smoker would have consumed 20 cigarettes in eight hours under normal circumstances. It is felt Unsub may possibly smoke less than one pack a day.
---
CLOTHES
Located in Seat 18E (the seat Unsub occupied) was a black clip-on tie which contained a tie clip des- cribed as yellow gold in color, with a white pearl circular stone in the center. The label in the tie bore the name "Towncraft" and bore the legend "Store 3, Penneys". The label in this tie showed it to be a "Snapper" patent type tie. Investigation at Las Vegas indicated this type tie was sold for about $1.50 and that this particular tie was about a year to a ayear and a half old. It was a favorite item for individuals such as waiters, busboys and barten- ders.
Stewardess HUCKLOW has said that this tie, found on the aircraft, was probably Unsubs and other witnesses have indicated he wore a similar type tie.
---
- K - COVER PAGE
---
DB Cooper-33039
SE 164-81
---
Since Unsub wore a tie during the hijacking and for other reasons described above, it is felt he was possibly an executive. However, since the tie was narrow and a clip-on type not currently in style, Unsub was possibly not on a top-level executive.
Unsub carried with him a cheap briefcase that appeared to be new. It is thought the hijacker probably purchased this briefcase just prior to the hijacking to be used during the hijacking only.
Unsub wore a white shirt with small collar points indicating he probably did not have the money to obtain a more fashionable wardrobe (i.e. more colorful shirts with larger collars currently in style). The white shirt could also indicate the hijacker's conservative taste in clothing.
---
EDUCATION
Unsub was accessed to be a high school graduate possibly with some college training, based primarily on vocabulary used during the hijack. Further, Unsub impressed stewardesses as possibly being experienced in dealing with people. They, therefore, concluded he was the executive type and seemed to naturally dictate the ransomed demands to the stewardesses in lieu of writing the notes out himself.
---
PHYSICAL
Race: White Sex: Male Age: Mid 40's Height: 5'10" - 6' Weight: 170-180 Complexion: Olive, Latin appearance medium smooth Hair: Dark brown or black, parted on the left and combed back Sideburns: Ear level Eyes: Possibly brown. During latter part of flight, he put on dark, wrap-around sunglasses with dark frames.
---
- L - COVER PAGE
DB Cooper-33040
SE 164-81
Voice: Low, spoke intelligently, no particular accent, possibly from midwest section of the United States. Characteristics: Smoked Raleigh filter tipped cigarettes Wearing apparel: Black or brown suit, narrow black tie, white shirt, black rain-type overcoat or dark topcoat, dark briefcase or attache case, brown shoes, carried paper bag, 4"x12"x14".
---
- M* - COVER PAGE
---
DB Cooper-33041
Serials: SE 164-81