The FBI investigated Raymond Russell in the 1971 D.B. Cooper hijacking but eliminated him as a suspect due to mismatched physical traits and lack of ransom access.

The FBI investigated Raymond Sidney Russell, a former pilot from Norway, Maine, as a possible suspect in the 1971 D.B. Cooper hijacking, following an interview in 1972. Though Russell matched Cooper’s age and had relevant military and aviation experience, key physical traits did not align, and he lacked evidence of access to the $200,000 ransom. A handwritten FBI note months later marked him as “eliminate,” indicating he was no longer considered a suspect. Despite ongoing public and investigative interest, including from researcher Ryan Burns, the FBI has not confirmed Russell’s involvement, and the case remains unsolved.