Ep 7. Cracking the D.B. Cooper Case

Expedition Unknown is a popular documentary-style television series that follows renowned explorer and adventurer, Josh Gates, as he travels to remote corners of the world to investigate some of the biggest mysteries of all time. In season 4 episode 7, titled "Cracking the D.B. Cooper Case," Josh embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind one of America's most infamous unsolved mysteries - the hijacking and disappearance of the notorious skyjacker, D.B. Cooper.

On November 24, 1971, a man calling himself D.B. Cooper famously boarded a Northwest Airlines flight from Portland to Seattle, ordered a bourbon and soda, and casually informed the flight attendant that he had a bomb in his carry-on bag. He demanded $200,000 in cash and four parachutes in exchange for the lives of the 36 passengers and crew on board. After the plane landed in Seattle to collect the ransom, Cooper released the passengers and took off again, instructing the crew to fly to Mexico City at a low altitude. Somewhere over southwestern Washington state, he lowered the rear stairs of the 727 and parachuted into the night, never to be seen again.

For years, law enforcement officials and amateur sleuths alike have been captivated by the mystery of D.B. Cooper, who pulled off one of the most daring heists in history and then vanished without a trace. Although the FBI has investigated the case for decades and conducted numerous interviews and searches, they have never been able to identify the true identity of D.B. Cooper, nor have they found any physical evidence that could lead to his capture.

In this episode of Expedition Unknown, Josh Gates dives headfirst into the world of Cooper conspiracies, seeking to uncover the truth about what happened to the elusive skyjacker. Along the way, he speaks with some of the top experts and historians in the field, from aviation specialists to former FBI agents who have worked the Cooper case for years. Among the many leads and theories that Josh explores are the notion that Cooper was a former military paratrooper, that he had CIA connections, or that he was an ordinary man who simply disappeared into obscurity.

From the Pacific Northwest to Nevada's Area 51, Josh and his team travel to various locations in search of evidence and clues that could help crack the case. They explore abandoned mine shafts and tunnels, meet with witnesses and experts, and even recreate the parachute used by Cooper himself in an attempt to determine whether he could have landed safely in the rugged Washington wilderness. Josh also speaks with relatives and acquaintances of those who may have been involved in the heist, hoping to uncover any untold stories or connections that could shed light on the case.

Throughout the episode, the tension and excitement of the investigation are palpable, as Josh and his team get closer and closer to the truth about D.B. Cooper. Whether they ultimately succeed in cracking the case or not remains to be seen, but the journey is thrilling and inspiring, showcasing the best of investigative journalism and adventure travel.

Overall, Expedition Unknown season 4 episode 7 is a must-see for anyone interested in true crime, history, or adventure travel. It offers a fascinating insight into one of America's greatest mysteries and leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering whether the truth about D.B. Cooper will ever finally be revealed.