On 24 February 1989 this 747 then N4713U made world headlines, when the forward cargo door ripped open and pulled part of the fuselage skin off and 9 pax lost their lives. After several months of repairs in Honolulu and San Francisco the airplane returned to service with United as N4724U. In 1996 wing damage was discovered so it was stored in Vegas. In March 1997 it was bought by Foutanga Dit Babani Sissoko owner of Air Dabia, and flew Hajj and refugees for several months. This was the first return to the USA. Read "Airscapemag" article on United 811 for the full history.