I think it's more clerical than anything. look at the way the packing card was filled out, everything is a line off. why would the National Guard feel the need to open the chute after finding it on the plane. it could be worded wrong when they state the SN coming from the card. we haven't read anywhere extra chutes were available, only waiting on two backs and two fronts at different times.


This was a different type of evidence. the was owned evidence. he was paid by Northwest but the FBI didn't want to part with it. I think it came down to a principle more than anything IMO. that chute isn't going to convict anyone. being caught with it would be a different story. things like the ticket stub in his possession or missing chutes, notes and the money would convict him. how can they prove it was given to him or anyone? a lawyer would ask the court to prove it was given to him.

they had to be sued over the money as well. they only needed a couple good bills, the rest is for show.

This is another reason to have the museum to allow it to be opened and checked. it's the only way to find out..

The printed data on the packing card refers to the written information on the line above it.  So the serial number is 226.

Also, on the reverse side of the packing card, as shown in Bruce Smith's link above, the number with the last packer is his Social Security Number.  I believe Shutter checked out the number on the Social Security site and that number refers to an individual in the Seattle area as indicated by the packing location.

The order on the card allows two lines for the address if everything is moved down one line...

As it shows in the illustration, you have one line for the owner's name and three lines for his actual address.

Curious how old Jeff is. If he's an old fart who was around in Cooper's day, it would be funny if he's the Sky Sports guy (or knows who it is).

Jeff...

"I was in Kapowsin the day of his jump, I remember it to be a 26ft conical also, I believe the container was for a 28ft canopy, the pack volume for the two is not that different and in the old days we did a lot of that stuff.  Jeff"

(And 'old fart' is not derogatory - skydivers like the term, it denotes survival. There's an 'Old Farts Reunion' in Taft, CA every year.)

It sounds like he is old school. You should ask him if he is or knows the SS guy. I'd still be curious about how the dummy reserve was given.

If you've got his email, shoot him a line and ask if he'd be willing to have a chat with me?

I found a PDF file with a Jeff Bell from Kapowsin Air Sports..credits him as a videographer with a photo..

You can respond tomorrow, I'll send the email sometime tomorrow...do I give your username to Jeff...