D.B. Cooper Day

The D.B. Cooper Day, observed annually on November 24, commemorates the infamous 1971 hijacking by the mysterious figure known as D. B. Cooper—when he boarded Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 from Portland to Seattle, demanded a ransom of $200,000 and four parachutes, and then parachuted out of the plane—vanishing without a trace. This day serves as both an acknowledgment of one of aviation’s most enduring mysteries and a cultural nod to the legend that Cooper became.

History of D.B. Cooper Day

On November 24, 1971, the hijacking took place, marking the only unsolved case of air piracy in U.S. history. The event captured public imagination and spawned decades of speculation, investigation and folklore.
In the years since, the date has been informally commemorated—particularly in the Pacific Northwest—with fan-events, discussions and cultural references—turning the criminal mystery into a kind of quirky observance. For example, the town of Ariel, Washington held annual “D.B. Cooper Days” around this date. Over time, the date November 24 has also been recognized in holiday listings as “D.B. Cooper Day”.

Why is D.B. Cooper Day important?

While the day commemorates a criminal act, its importance lies less in celebration and more in remembrance, intrigue and cultural reflection. The hijacking shook assumptions about aviation security and highlighted how one daring act can become a legend. It invites reflection on themes such as anonymity, risk and the enduring human fascination with unsolved mysteries.
On a broader level, observances like this can illustrate how events—even criminal ones—can become woven into cultural identity, inspiring stories, media, tourism and collective memory.

• It marks a pivotal moment in U.S. aviation history and security reform.
• It honours the memory of a case that remains unresolved and thus continues to captivate people.
• It provides a focal date for enthusiasts, researchers and storytellers to revisit evidence and theories.
• It highlights the interplay of fact and myth in modern folklore.
• It encourages public interest in the history of crime, investigation and cultural impact.

How to Observe D.B. Cooper Day

Observing D.B. Cooper Day can take many forms—from low-key reflection to fan-curious investigation. You might choose to read up on the case, watch documentaries or explore the many theories about what happened to Cooper after he jumped. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest (or able to visit), you could visit sites connected to the story or attend events held on or around November 24. While the tone is not festive per se, there is a blend of curiosity, history and cultural homage.
You might also engage in creative ways: write your own theory, host a discussion on unsolved cases, or simply reflect on how the story continues to resonate.

• Read the official summary of the hijacking case from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and note key facts.
• Watch a documentary or listen to a podcast that covers the Cooper case and its cultural legacy.
• Visit or research local sites associated with the event (for example in Oregon or Washington).
• Discuss with friends or family the themes of mystery, risk and legacy raised by the hijacking.
• Consider what the story of D.B. Cooper tells us about security, aviation, hero/villain mythmaking and how society remembers events.

D.B. Cooper Day Dates Table