Gregory Allen Slader

Gregory Allen Slader

Gregory Allen Slader (Al), 75, passed away Monday, Sept. 26 at his residence.

Al was a career pilot for United Airlines, and is most well remembered as the First Officer of United Flight 811, the 747 flight from Honolulu to Auckland, NZ which experienced a cargo bay door failure, subsequent explosive decompression and the loss of two of the plane’s four engines. He and the flight crew safely returned the aircraft to the Honolulu airport saving 346 lives.

In 1975 Al moved to Whidbey Island and loved the island lifestyle. He is survived by his wife, three children, and six grandchildren.