American Skyjacker (2025)

-Written by Marty Coney. 

D.B Cooper is a legend in the criminal underworld. A hijacker who parachutes from a commercial plane in the dead of night with hundreds of thousands of dollars and disappears into folklore is the inspiration for American Skyjacker, the story of Martin McNally (Logan Spahitz).

American Skyjacker is a documentary directed by Eli Kooris and Joshua Schaffer and tells the story of Martin McNally, a hijacker in the 1970s that almost gets away like his hero D.B Cooper; but his story ultimately leads to one of the most bizarre criminal cases in U.S. history. Told through real news bulletins from the time and interviews with FBI investigators and McNally himself, it chronicles how a troubled young man with a good family upbringing can turn his back on a normal life for the thrill of the heist. 

After leaving the military in the late 1960’’s Mac (as Martin is commonly known), had the opportunity to go into business with his dad who owned a shoe store but Mac had no interest in the normal path. A string of petty thefts and armed robberies landed him in trouble with the police, but he still refused to conform. The thrill of the take and running from the law was greater than earning a paycheque or respect from his dad.

Trying to figure out a way of making substantial money the easy way, Mac learns the story of D.B Cooper, who hijacked an aeroplane then parachuted into the night, never to be caught, seen or heard from again and decides this could be his way to make enough money in order to live comfortably for the rest of his life. 

It’s now 1972, and with his family running out of patience with him and the law becoming more familiar with him, Martin decides it’s time to put his plan into action. After canvassing airports for one with few security guards and checkpoints he finds the right place: St.Louis, Missouri.

American Skyjacker isn’t a documentary that glorifies McNally or any other hijackers. It's a portrait of a man who understands he made bad decisions in his life and wants his story to be heard. It’s a case that spans decades and Martin comes across as apologetic about the hurt he caused and is the first to say he wasn’t a very good person--though it does show him trying to come to terms with the pain he caused his family and others. His story is fascinating and it should be remembered. 

There are other people involved in this plot that make it more akin to an insane Hollywood blockbuster movie than a real-life documentary, but seeing it is the only way to truly appreciate its depth. The pacing of the story will keep you engaged from the start, as there is always another insane detail or plot twist just around the corner. 

The set design for the old airport and the costumes and vehicles are excellent and really help keep you immersed in the story. Cast as a young McNally for the reenactments is Spahitz, and he does a fantastic job and he looks the part, which, simply put, is great casting. 

You may already know of this story and the people involved, but if, like me, you haven’t before heard of it then American Skyjacker should definitely be added to your watchlist. 

Written & Directed by Eli Kooris & Joshua Shaffer.

Starring Logan Spahitz, Angela Barber, Danté Belardeinelli, Merisa Bertani, Kevin Bohleber, etc.

9/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW