American History Hit cover image

American History Hit

D.B. Cooper & the 70s Hijacking Craze

Feb 22, 2024
John Wigger, a history professor at the University of Missouri and author, dives into the thrilling world of 1970s airline hijackings, sparked by the infamous D.B. Cooper. He unpacks the chaotic socio-political climate that led to a wave of daring hijack attempts, including Martin McNally's audacious plot. Listeners will hear about bold civilian interventions during these crises, the evolution of hijacking tactics, and how public perception shifted, reflecting on the cultural significance and safety reforms that followed.
40:40

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores how D.B. Cooper's infamous hijacking inspired a wave of similar crimes in the early 1970s, reflecting societal desperation and audacity.
  • It emphasizes the evolution of airline security measures as a direct response to escalating hijackings, fundamentally changing passenger safety protocols in air travel.

Deep dives

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