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Today in History: Tragedy Strikes United Airlines Flight 811 in Hawaii

2/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 24, 1989, United Airlines Flight 811, a Boeing 747-122, suffered a catastrophic cargo-door failure shortly after departing from Honolulu International Airport. The explosive decompression resulted in the loss of several rows of seats and tragically killed nine passengers. The aircraft safely returned to Honolulu and landed without further incident.

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Story summary

On February 24, 1989, United Airlines Flight 811, a Boeing 747-122, suffered a catastrophic cargo-door failure shortly after departing from Honolulu International Airport. The explosive decompression resulted in the loss of several rows of seats and tragically killed nine passengers. The aircraft safely returned to Honolulu and landed without further incident.