Richard Floyd McCoy, Jr., is a name that became synonymous with one of the most audacious crimes in aviation history. Known for his intelligence, military background, and boldness, McCoy executed one of the most infamous skyjackings of the 20th century. His story is a fascinating blend of ambition, desperation, and the complexities of human nature. Here’s a closer look at the life and crimes of Richard Floyd McCoy, Jr.
Born on December 7, 1942, McCoy grew up in North Carolina and later served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a decorated Green Beret, earning a Bronze Star for his service. After leaving the military, McCoy pursued a degree in criminology at Brigham Young University, where he was known as a disciplined and ambitious student. On the surface, he appeared to be a model citizen—a family man, a churchgoer, and a respected member of his community. But beneath this facade lay a man with a daring and criminal mind.
On April 7, 1972, McCoy boarded United Airlines Flight 855 in Denver, Colorado. Shortly after takeoff, he handed a flight attendant a handwritten note claiming he had a bomb. Armed with what appeared to be a grenade and a handgun, McCoy demanded $500,000 in cash and four parachutes. The plane was diverted to San Francisco, where the ransom was delivered. McCoy then ordered the aircraft to fly toward Reno, Nevada. Somewhere over Utah, he leaped from the plane with the money and a parachute, disappearing into the night.
The skyjacking was meticulously planned. McCoy’s military training and knowledge of parachuting allowed him to execute the heist with precision. However, his downfall came just two days later when he was arrested at his home in Provo, Utah. Authorities found $499,970 of the ransom money, along with a fake bomb and a wig matching the description of the skyjacker. McCoy was convicted and sentenced to 45 years in prison.
But McCoy’s story didn’t end there. In August 1974, he orchestrated a daring escape from Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary in Pennsylvania. Along with three other inmates, he hijacked a garbage truck and crashed through the prison gates. McCoy remained on the run for several months before being recaptured in Virginia. His freedom was short-lived, as he was killed in a shootout with FBI agents in November 1974.
McCoy’s life and crimes have been the subject of much speculation and intrigue. Some believe he was inspired by D.B. Cooper, the infamous skyjacker who vanished after a similar heist in 1971. Others see McCoy as a man driven by a desire for adventure and financial gain, using his skills and intelligence to pull off an extraordinary crime. His story raises questions about the fine line between heroism and criminality, and how a person’s talents can be used for both good and ill.
Richard Floyd McCoy, Jr., remains a compelling figure in the annals of crime. His daring skyjacking, military background, and dramatic escape from prison make him a fascinating subject of study. While his actions were undoubtedly criminal, they also highlight the complexities of human ambition and the lengths to which some will go to achieve their goals. McCoy’s story serves as a reminder of the thin line between brilliance and recklessness, and how one moment of daring can forever alter the course of a life.
What do you think about Richard Floyd McCoy, Jr.’s story? Was he a criminal mastermind or a man driven by desperation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
