DB Cooper Hijacking

Lead FBI Investigator

Ralph Himmelsbach led the investigation during its most crucial years. Based in Portland, he was one of the first agents to respond to the hijacking. His dedication to the case extended beyond his retirement in 1980, continuing to pursue leads and write about the case in his book "NORJAK: The Investigation of D.B. Cooper".

"I've never lost my drive to find Cooper. This case represents one of the most sophisticated aerial crimes in American history."

• Coordinated the initial response and evidence collection
• Conducted hundreds of witness interviews
• Developed the primary suspect profile
• Led multiple ground search operations

Case Reinvestigation Lead

Larry Carr brought fresh perspectives to the investigation when he took over in 2007. He was instrumental in releasing more case information to the public, believing that crowdsourcing could help solve the mystery. His innovative approach included engaging with online communities and citizen investigators.

"Sometimes the fresh eyes of the public can see what we've missed. This case belongs to everyone who's fascinated by its mystery."

• Modernized the investigation approach
• Released previously classified case details
• Engaged with online communities
• Developed new theories about Cooper's identity

Underwater Search Specialist

Richard Tosaw led the underwater search operations in the Columbia River. His dedication to finding physical evidence was remarkable, organizing multiple diving expeditions and developing new search methodologies specifically for the case.

"The river holds secrets, and we were determined to uncover them. Every search brought us closer to understanding what happened that night."

• Organized multiple underwater search operations
• Developed specialized river search techniques
• Documented underwater search findings
• Trained other agents in underwater evidence recovery

Final Investigation Supervisor

Curtis Eng had the responsibility of reviewing decades of evidence before the case's official closure in 2016. His thorough analysis helped organize one of the FBI's most extensive case files and ensure that all viable leads had been pursued.

"While we may have closed the case file, the story of DB Cooper continues to captivate the public imagination."

• Conducted final case review
• Organized decades of evidence
• Prepared final case summary
• Supervised last investigative efforts