Testing the hypothesis that Ronald Tammen was D.B. Cooper requires accepting two points: 1, that Tammen intentionally disappeared (amnesia possible but not likely) and that his new identity must be uncovered. Among the many reasons this is a complicated search is the likelihood such a profile would leave the country.

   Curiously, however, Dan Cooper seems to fit this profile. There are suggestions he spent time off the US grid. “Dan Cooper” was a comic book hero of the French speaking world— France, Belgium, Quebec, French Empire (which would have included Vietnam). Shortly before the skyjacking, the series had an installment showing Cooper parachuting.

     Cooper knew aircraft from study, but he wasn’t a broadly experienced pilot. The mistake of thinking the 727 could takeoff with its aft stairs lowered proves the point.

     Tammen knew his fingerprints were on file with the FBI. Cooper goes out of his way to leave no prints, even insisting the handwritten note be returned to him.

     It is a daunting task to search for a man who had been missing for 18 years by the time his image and interests match those of D.B. Cooper in 1971. Then missing for 50 years afterward.

     It might seem easier to find the drop zone than trace a double missing man. But . . .                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Next