Outcomes
The NTSB issued a recommendation for all 747-100s in service at the time to replace their cargo door latching mechanisms with new, redesigned locks. A sub-recommendation suggested replacing all outward-opening doors with inward-opening doors, which cannot open in flight due to the pressure differential. No similar fatality-causing accidents have officially occurred on this aircraft type, although other investigations indicate the possibility that other old Boeing 747s were afflicted.
In 1989, the flight crew received the Secretary's Award for Heroism for their actions. United Airlines ran a simulation through a flight simulator and were, despite many attempts and various tweaks, unable to successfully land a plane after losing the forward cargo door.
The aircraft was successfully repaired, re-registered as N4724U in 1989, and returned to service with United Airlines in 1990. In 1997, the aircraft was registered with Air Dabia as C5-FBS, and abandoned in 2001 during overhaul maintenance at Plattsburgh International Airport. The plane is visible on the ground at Plattsburgh on Google Maps/Earth at coordinates 44°40'00.76" N 73°28'13.33" W.
Read more about this topic: United Airlines Flight 811