Richard Floyd McCoy: The Skyjacker Who Dared To Copy Cooper

Table of Contents

Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. is a name that resonates with one of the most audacious and perplexing chapters in aviation history. His story is not just about a daring crime, but a complex web of ambition, military precision, and a shadow cast by an even more infamous predecessor.

In the annals of American crime, few figures capture the imagination quite like the enigmatic D.B. Cooper, the mysterious hijacker who vanished after parachuting out of a plane with $200,000. But just six months after that unprecedented event, the world witnessed a strikingly similar act, one that would forever link another name to the Cooper legend: Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. This article delves deep into the life, crimes, and ultimate demise of McCoy, exploring the chilling similarities to Cooper, the relentless FBI pursuit, and the enduring questions that surround his extraordinary story.

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The Man Behind the Mask: Who Was Richard Floyd McCoy?

Before he became synonymous with one of the most audacious crimes in aviation history, Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. was, by many accounts, a man of considerable talent and a seemingly conventional life. Born in 1942 in Kinston, Lenoir County, North Carolina, McCoy possessed an intelligence that set him apart. He was a former Army Green Beret, a highly trained special forces soldier, and a seasoned skydiver, skills that would later prove pivotal in his criminal exploits.

At the time of his infamous act, McCoy was 29 years old and a student at Brigham Young University (BYU). He was also active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church), presenting a public image that starkly contrasted with the daring criminal he would become. His background suggests a disciplined and meticulous individual, traits that were evident in the planning of his hijacking. While his exact motives remain a subject of speculation, it's clear that McCoy possessed a unique combination of military expertise, aviation knowledge, and a daring spirit that led him down a path of notoriety.

Personal Data & Key Details

To provide a clearer picture of the man at the center of this incredible tale, here's a summary of Richard Floyd McCoy Jr.'s key personal details:

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The Audacious Heist: United Airlines Flight 859

The stage for Richard Floyd McCoy's infamous act was set on April 7, 1972. On that day, he boarded United Airlines Flight 859 in Denver. What seemed like a routine flight was about to turn into a terrifying ordeal for the passengers and crew. About 20 minutes after takeoff, McCoy casually pulled out a hand grenade and a pistol, announcing his intentions to hijack the aircraft.

His demands were clear and precise: $500,000 in ransom money, four parachutes, and a flight plan that would take him over Utah. The crew, under duress, complied. The plane landed in San Francisco, where the ransom and parachutes were delivered. With his demands met, McCoy ordered the plane to take off again, heading towards the designated drop zone. As the Boeing 727 flew over Provo, Utah, Richard Floyd McCoy executed his meticulously planned escape. He parachuted from the plane with the ransom money, disappearing into the vast, open landscape below. This daring act marked him as a unique figure in the history of air piracy, demonstrating a level of planning and execution rarely seen before or since.

The Manhunt and Capture: FBI's Relentless Pursuit

The brazen hijacking by Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. immediately triggered a massive manhunt by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Given the recent D.B. Cooper case, the FBI was on high alert for copycat hijackings, and McCoy's method bore striking similarities. Investigators quickly pieced together clues, leveraging his unique skills as a former Army Green Beret and an experienced skydiver. They understood that only someone with such a background could pull off a stunt of this nature.

The FBI's investigation led them to Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. within days. On April 10, 1972, just three days after the hijacking, McCoy was arrested at his home. The bureau announced that they had recovered a significant portion of the ransom money, specifically $499,970, from his residence. This quick recovery and arrest were a testament to the FBI's efficiency and the meticulous work of its agents in tracking down the man who hijacked a United Airlines flight in 1972 and parachuted from the plane over Utah with ransom money. McCoy was subsequently charged with air piracy, bringing a swift, albeit temporary, end to his criminal escapade.

The Echo of D.B. Cooper: Similarities and Speculations

The story of Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. is inextricably linked to the legend of D.B. Cooper. The striking similarities between their crimes immediately sparked intense speculation and continue to fuel debate decades later.

The Cooper Connection: A Shadowy Precedent

D.B. Cooper, also known as Dan Cooper, was an unidentified man who hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, a Boeing 727 aircraft, in United States airspace on November 24, 1971. During the flight from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington, Cooper demanded $200,000 and parachutes, then famously jumped from the plane into the night, never to be seen again. His disappearance remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American criminal history.

Just months later, Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. hijacked a Boeing 727, the same type of plane Cooper targeted. After receiving his ransom, McCoy parachuted from the plane over Utah. The parallels were undeniable: the aircraft type, the method of escape, the demand for ransom and parachutes. These similarities led many, including some within the FBI, to wonder if McCoy was not just a copycat, but perhaps the elusive Cooper himself.

Was McCoy Really Cooper? The Enduring Debate

The question of whether Richard Floyd McCoy was really the infamous D.B. Cooper has been a subject of intense scrutiny and ongoing debate. While the FBI officially stated that McCoy was not Cooper, citing differences in appearance and methods, the theory that he was the man behind both hijackings persists among some investigators and the public.

• Evidence for the Theory: Former FBI agent Russell Calame and Bernie Rhodes, a former federal probation officer, have written a book making a compelling case that Cooper was really Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. They point to his military background, his expertise as a skydiver, and the uncanny similarities in the execution of both hijackings.
• Family Claims: The bureau has apparently reopened the case after the two adult children of one of the agency's prime suspects, Richard Floyd McCoy II, discovered a parachute and skydiving gear, fueling their belief that their "dear old dad may have been D.B. Cooper." This deep family secret, as claimed by Gryder, suggests the hijacker was indeed Richard Floyd McCoy Jr.
• Lack of Confirmation: There is, however, a lot of evidence, though nothing definitively confirms that Richard Floyd McCoy was really the infamous D.B. Cooper. Much like any other suspect in the case, it is not confirmed whether Richard Floyd McCoy was really the infamous D.B. Cooper.
• Karen McCoy's Perspective: Karen McCoy, the widow of slain hijacker Richard Floyd McCoy, has also been drawn into the narrative. While her perspective is complex, the "tale of air piracy, escape from a federal prison and a deadly shootout may also become a story of physical and sexual abuse" as she claims the hijacker was actually Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. This adds another layer of complexity to understanding McCoy's motivations and character.
• Other Suspects: It's worth noting that other figures, such as Sheridan Peterson, also enjoyed their association with the Cooper case, regularly teasing the media about whether or not they were the real Cooper. This highlights the enduring mystery and the proliferation of theories surrounding the unidentified hijacker.

Ultimately, the FBI maintains that the D.B. Cooper case remains unsolved. However, the uncanny parallels and the persistent efforts of those who believe in the McCoy-as-Cooper theory ensure that Richard Floyd McCoy's name will always be intertwined with one of America's most captivating criminal enigmas.

A Daring Escape and a Fatal End

Despite his swift capture and the recovery of the ransom money, Richard Floyd McCoy Jr.'s story did not end with his conviction for the United Airlines hijacking. Sentenced to 45 years in federal prison, McCoy was incarcerated at the Lewisburg Penitentiary in Pennsylvania. But his history of daring escapes was not yet over.

On August 10, 1974, Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. once again defied expectations by escaping from Lewisburg. He, along with other inmates, used a garbage truck to ram through the prison gates, initiating another intense manhunt by federal authorities. His escape was a testament to his resourcefulness and determination, but it also sealed his fate.

The FBI, relentless in their pursuit, tracked him down within months. On November 9, 1974, a deadly confrontation occurred in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Richard Floyd McCoy, who hijacked United Air Lines craft in '72 and bailed out over Provo, Utah, after receiving $500,000 in ransom, was fatally shot by FBI agent Nicholas O'Neill. The shootout brought a definitive and tragic end to the life of the notorious skyjacker, closing the chapter on his brief but impactful criminal career.

Richard Floyd McCoy's Legacy in Aviation History

The bizarre story of Richard Floyd McCoy Jr., who tried to copy Dan Cooper's famous hijacking in 1972, left an indelible mark on aviation history and security protocols. His exploits, along with those of D.B. Cooper, highlighted critical vulnerabilities in airline security at the time. McCoy, a notorious American pilot, hijacked a Boeing 727, leveraging aviation expertise for daring heists, exemplifying aerial crime and airline security challenges of the era.

His success, even if short-lived, inspired a new spate of plane snatchings that seemed to stem from the more recent exploits of Richard Floyd McCoy Jr., 29, who came the closest to succeeding since the original D.B. Cooper incident. These incidents underscored the urgent need for more robust security measures at airports and on planes. The era of the "skyjacker" forced a fundamental rethinking of how passengers were screened, how cockpits were secured, and how law enforcement responded to such threats.

Today, the strict security measures we experience at airports are, in part, a direct consequence of the actions of individuals like Richard Floyd McCoy. His story serves as a stark reminder that while skydivers have a special ability the general public just doesn’t have, unfortunately, that special ability can be used in devious ways. He planned a skydive that he thought was foolproof, but the long arm of the law eventually caught up.

The Human Element: Beyond the Headlines

Beyond the sensational headlines and the criminal acts, the story of Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. is also a complex human narrative. Known for his intelligence and military background, he was also a Brigham Young University student and an active member of his church. This dichotomy raises questions about what drives individuals with such backgrounds to commit audacious crimes.

The claims made by his widow, Karen McCoy, suggesting that the "tale of air piracy, escape from a federal prison and a deadly shootout may also become a story of physical and sexual abuse," introduce a deeply personal and tragic dimension to his life. While these claims are part of an ongoing narrative and not confirmed facts in the public record, they highlight the potential for hidden traumas and complex motivations behind seemingly inexplicable actions. Understanding Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. requires looking beyond the simple label of "hijacker" and considering the multifaceted individual he was, and the circumstances that may have shaped his desperate choices.

Lessons Learned: Securing the Skies

The era of the skyjacker, epitomized by figures like Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. and D.B. Cooper, was a transformative period for global aviation. These events forced a rapid evolution in airline security, moving from relatively lax procedures to the stringent measures we know today. The FBI's relentless pursuit of McCoy, and their ongoing efforts to solve the Cooper case, underscore the commitment of law enforcement to ensure the safety of air travel.

The incidents prompted the implementation of metal detectors, X-ray machines for baggage, reinforced cockpit doors, and the presence of air marshals. The lessons learned from these daring acts of air piracy reshaped airport design, passenger screening processes, and international aviation regulations. The story of Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. serves as a historical case study, reminding us of the constant need for vigilance and adaptation in safeguarding our skies. It highlights how quickly security landscapes can change in response to determined and innovative threats, and how the actions of a few individuals can lead to sweeping changes that impact millions of travelers worldwide.

Conclusion

The life and death of Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. represent a fascinating, albeit dark, chapter in American criminal history. From his meticulous planning of the United Airlines hijacking and daring parachute escape over Utah with ransom money, to his capture, prison break, and fatal shootout with the FBI, McCoy's story is one of audacious ambition and a tragic end. His enduring connection to the D.B. Cooper mystery only adds to the intrigue, ensuring that his name remains a subject of debate and fascination.

While the official records may separate him from the elusive Cooper, the similarities in their methods are undeniable, leaving a lingering question mark over the true identity of the infamous skyjacker. Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. stands as a testament to the complex motivations that can drive individuals to extraordinary lengths and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement. His legacy is etched not only in the annals of crime but also in the very fabric of modern airline security.

What are your thoughts on Richard Floyd McCoy's story? Do you believe he was D.B. Cooper, or merely a skilled copycat? Share your insights in the comments below, and explore more captivating true crime stories on our site.

Table of Contents

• The Man Behind the Mask: Who Was Richard Floyd McCoy?
  • Personal Data & Key Details
• The Audacious Heist: United Airlines Flight 859
• The Manhunt and Capture: FBI's Relentless Pursuit
• The Echo of D.B. Cooper: Similarities and Speculations
  • The Cooper Connection: A Shadowy Precedent
  • Was McCoy Really Cooper? The Enduring Debate
• A Daring Escape and a Fatal End
• Richard Floyd McCoy's Legacy in Aviation History
  • The Human Element: Beyond the Headlines
• Lessons Learned: Securing the Skies
• Conclusion