The Hijacking of American Flight 119: How D.B. Cooper Inspired a Skyjacking Craze and the FBI's Battle to Stop It

D.B. Cooper, a notorious skyjacker who hijacked a commercial jetliner in 1971 and disappeared with a ransom of $200,000, has become an enduring figure of fascination and obsession. Despite the FBI's forty-year pursuit, the case remains unsolved. In The Hijacking of American Flight 119, John Wigger explores a wave of hijackings that swept over commercial flight between 1961 and 1972, including the daring exploits of hijackers such as Cooper, who inspired imitators. Motivations for these hijackings ranged from ideology to greed and a desperate need to be somebody. Wigger's book brings to life this chaotic and fascinating period in American aviation history, using never-before-published interviews and first-hand accounts to recount the stories and their impact on the public, the media, and law enforcement.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

D.B. Cooper, a mysterious individual who remains unidentified to this day, is widely regarded as the mastermind behind one of the most audacious crimes of the 20th century. In November 1971, he hijacked a commercial jetliner, demanding a ransom of $200,000. After successfully parachuting off the aft stairs of the Boeing 727 into the night, he disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a captivating and enduring mystery.

The FBI relentlessly pursued Cooper for over forty years, but their efforts ultimately proved futile, and the case remains unsolved to this day. However, the fascination with Cooper's story has endured, inspiring numerous books, films, and endless speculation about his true identity and motives.

While Cooper's exploit over the skies of the American Northwest remains the most famous, it was not the only instance of hijacking during this period. In fact, a wave of hijackings swept over commercial flight between 1961 and 1972, with several individuals taking extreme measures to seize control of planes.

One notable hijacker was Robert "Bob" Weaver, who in 1961 commandeered a United Airlines flight from Reno, Nevada, with a pillowcase over his head and a gun in hand. Weaver demanded a ransom of $200,000, which he eventually received after a tense standoff with law enforcement.

Another hijacker, known as "D.B. Cooper," struck in 1972. After commandeering an American Airlines Flight from Portland, Oregon, Cooper parachuted out over Indiana with a ransom of $502,500. Unlike Cooper, however, he was quickly apprehended by authorities.

The motivations behind these hijackings were diverse, ranging from ideological beliefs to personal greed and a desire for notoriety. Some hijackers sought to use their actions to draw attention to social or political issues, while others were simply seeking a quick payday. Regardless of their intentions, the hijackings had a profound impact on the public, the media, and law enforcement.

The hijackings of 1972 led to a significant transformation in airline security. Airports and airlines implemented new measures to prevent future hijackings, such as increased screening of passengers and luggage, reinforced cockpit doors, and the deployment of armed security personnel. These measures have helped to make commercial flight safer than it was in the years following the Cooper incident.

In conclusion, D.B. Cooper's skyjacking of a commercial jetliner, his daring escape, and his subsequent disappearance have captivated the world for decades. While the case remains unsolved, his exploit has inspired countless books, films, and discussions about the nature of crime and the human psyche. The wave of hijackings that swept over commercial flight between 1961 and 1972 also had a lasting impact on airline security, and the measures put in place to prevent future hijackings continue to protect passengers today.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197695753