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.
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
The Allure of South Dakota's Nature
South Dakota is depicted as a beautiful place ripe for adventure, with its stunning sunsets, natural sounds from flowing water and wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. The speaker reflects on the simplicity and beauty of nature, which creates a sense of peace and rejuvenation. Despite the desire to embrace these experiences, there is an underlying tension about the fast pace of life, particularly as children grow up quickly. This contrast highlights the challenge of slowing down to appreciate life while balancing family responsibilities.
Understanding the Hijacking Craze
The podcast emphasizes the surge in airline hijackings in the late 1960s to early 1970s, with approximately 140 incidents occurring within a five-year span. The hijacks often involved individuals seeking ransom and were marked by a significant lack of security measures, allowing hijackers to bring weapons onto planes easily. The infamous D.B. Cooper case is highlighted as a pivotal moment that inspired many copycat hijackers, each attempting to replicate or capitalize on the daring escape routes and ransom demands. This era showcased a troubling blend of desperation and audacity as hijackers exploited gaps in safety protocols.
Martin McNally's Hijacking Incident
The narrative centers around Martin McNally, who meticulously planned his hijacking inspired by D.B. Cooper, despite having no parachuting experience. He executed his plan by boarding a flight and leveraging the lack of security to bring weapons on board, eventually demanding a ransom and five parachutes. His jump from the plane after receiving the ransom was fraught with chaos and led to the accidental loss of the money bag as he descended. McNally's decision-making, including using a fake identity and the detailed preparation for his jump, paints a picture of the drastic measures individuals took during this tumultuous period.
The Aftermath of Hijackings and Security Responses
The podcast details the rapid response from law enforcement following hijacking incidents, particularly focusing on the FBI's evolving strategies to handle such situations. Initially, hijackings were treated leniently, aiming to keep passengers safe, but as violence escalated, the need for stricter security became evident. The implementation of metal detectors and baggage checks eventually reduced the frequency of hijackings significantly, especially after a wave of violent events. This transformation in airport security established a new norm that, while initially resisted by airlines, became essential for passenger safety in the air travel industry.
On 23 June 1972, a man boarded American Airlines Flight 119 in St Louis. He sat most of the way to Tulsa before donning a wig and a pair of gloves in the restroom, taking out a gun and handing a member of the cabin crew a note.
'Don't panic. This is a ransom hijacking.'
To find out more about this man, what he hoped to gain from his crimes, and how he and others were inspired by D.B. Cooper, Don speaks to John Wigger. John is Professor of History at the University of Missouri and author of ‘The Hijacking of American Flight 119: How D.B. Cooper Inspired a Skyjacking Craze and the FBI's Battle to Stop It’.
Produced and edited by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.
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