MemoSAC J. E. Milnes to all agents summarizing hijacking facts and suspect description26 November 1971page 2 of 3
reportLegibility: high

Part 48, page 30

DB Cooper-19821Serials SE 164-81

Document date 26 November 1971

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Open in FBI Vault (Part 48, page 30 of the PDF)

FBI 164-81, Vault Part 48 p. 30 (DB Cooper-19821), Memo, dated 26 Nov 1971 — cooper.theunsolved.net/parts/Cooper-Part-48/pages/30

Places

Merwin LakeMexico CityPortlandRenoSEA-TACSacramentoSeattleSeattle-Tacoma AirportWoodland, Washington

Transcript

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SE 164-81

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The three male members of the crew remained in the cabin.

When the plane was loaded at Portland, there were 37 passengers plus the 6 members of the crew. When the passengers deplaned at Seattle, only 36 got off with the subject remaining on board.

All the passengers were interviewed but only four saw the subject and were able to give some assistance with descriptive data. The plane departed SEA-TAC at 7:36PM, after being fully gassed. At the instructions of the UNSUB, the flaps were left down at 15 degrees and he also instructed the landing gear remain down and at first wanted the steps to remain down, but it was explained to him that it was mechanically impossible to take off with the steps down. He thereupon agreed that they could be raised for take off but lowered once they were airborne.

The UNSUB mentioned going to Mexico City, but because they would have to refuel, due to the extra drag caused by the flaps down, etc., he agreed to a flight down to Sacramento, and then over to Reno. Shortly after take off from Seattle-Tacoma Airport, the UNSUB had the stewardess show him how to operate the stairs and then told her to go into the First Class Section, which she did, and to close the curtain behind her. She then went into the cabin with the rest of the crew and locked the door after her. A few minutes later they had intercom contact with the subject but the last contact with him was at approximately 8:05 PM.

Within the next 10 minutes, the crew experienced oscillation in the plane and speculated that it was caused by the subject departing the plane by way of the rear door.

The crew of the above airline has now spotted a possible area for this suspected departure of the hijacker to be over Merwin Lake, near Woodland, Washington.

A search is now being conducted by helicopter and ground crews working out of the Woodland Police Department.

The following is a composite description of the UNKNOWN SUBJECT:

Race: White Sex: Male Age: Mid 40s Height: 5'10" to 6' Weight: 170-180 lbs. Build: Average to well

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