Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast D.B. Cooper 2.0: The Skyjacker Who Stole $500K & Survived
Nov 27, 2025
Martin McNally, a former bank robber and aircraft hijacker, dives into the audacious details of his 1972 skyjacking inspired by D.B. Cooper. He shares how he meticulously planned the heist, the thrill of demanding $500,000, and the chaotic aftermath of his midair jump. Listeners will be captivated by his narrow escapes, the frantic search that followed, and the dramatic courtroom battles that led to his life sentences. McNally’s incredible journey from crime to redemption adds an intriguing layer to this wild true crime tale.
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Cadillac Rams The Plane On The Tarmac
- A drunken man (David Hanley) drove a Cadillac onto the runway and collided with the plane's nose gear, disabling the aircraft before takeoff.
- The crash forced a plane swap and delayed McNally's timetable significantly.
Why The 727 And Specific Drop Zone Matter
- McNally planned the jump specifically from a 727 because only it had rear stairs usable for a bailout.
- He calculated speed and timing, aiming for farmland south of Toledo to reach his intended drop zone.
Lost The Money Midair
- McNally bailed out at roughly 10,000 feet, free-fell about 5,000 feet, then deployed a reserve chute which opened violently.
- The leather mailbag with $500,000 detached from his belt and tumbled away, leaving him parachuting empty-handed.
