Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A routine inter‑island flight turned into a runway incident yesterday morning when a Samoa Airways Twin Otter veered off course while landing at Fitiuta Airport in Manu‘a. Authorities say the aircraft left the runway shortly after touchdown, prompting an immediate emergency response but resulting in no fatalities.

According to the Department of Port Administration, the incident occurred at 10:37 a.m. as Flight 990 approached Runway 12. The aircraft “subsequently veered off the center of the runway,” the department said in its initial statement.

Five people were on board — two pilots and three passengers, including one Samoa Airways staff member. All were accounted for shortly after the aircraft came to a stop.

The airline staff member sustained a leg injury and was treated at the Fitiuta Clinic, located at the airport. No other injuries were reported.

Emergency personnel from Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) were the first on scene, securing both the aircraft and its occupants. Officers from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) also responded and assisted with the initial assessment and safety measures.

Airport operations continued under heightened caution as officials worked to stabilize the area and ensure no further hazards existed.

The Department of Port Administration says the cause of the runway excursion has not yet been determined, and the incident remains under active investigation.

Port Administration Director Barney Sene noted that the aircraft had recently undergone a complete overhaul and refurbishment, adding that he expects the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to conduct a formal investigation, as is standard for aviation incidents involving U.S. territorial airports.

Airport officials are coordinating with the appropriate authorities to document the scene, review aircraft condition, and evaluate runway factors such as weather, surface conditions, and mechanical performance.

As of press time, Samoa Airways had not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. Additional details are expected as investigators gather more information and the airline completes its internal review.