United Airlines Flight 811

United Airlines Flight 811
N4713U after the cargo door tore off in flight, causing an explosive decompression and ejecting nine people from the plane
Accident
DateFebruary 24, 1989 (1989-02-24)
SummaryCargo door failure leading to explosive decompression[1]
SitePacific Ocean
near Honolulu, Hawaii
20°41′24″N 158°40′30″W / 20.690°N 158.675°W / 20.690; -158.675
Aircraft
Aircraft typeBoeing 747-122
OperatorUnited Airlines
IATA flight No.UA811
ICAO flight No.UAL811
Call signUNITED 811
RegistrationN4713U
Flight originLos Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
1st stopoverHonolulu International Airport
Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
2nd stopoverAuckland Airport
Auckland, New Zealand
DestinationSydney Airport
Sydney, Australia
Occupants355
Passengers337
Crew18
Fatalities9
Injuries38
Survivors346

United Airlines Flight 811 was a regularly scheduled international flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, with intermediate stops at Honolulu and Auckland. On February 24, 1989, the Boeing 747-122 serving the flight experienced a cargo-door failure in flight shortly after leaving Honolulu. The resulting explosive decompression blew out several rows of seats, killing nine passengers. The aircraft returned to Honolulu and landed without further incident.

  1. ^ "Aircraft Accident Report, Explosive Decompression – Loss of Cargo Door in Flight, United Airlines Flight 811, Boeing 747-122, N4713U, Honolulu, Hawaii, February 24, 1989" (PDF). National Transportation Safety Board. March 18, 1992. Retrieved January 14, 2016.