Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Port Administration American Samoa (PAAS) is providing an update regarding the runway excursion on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 involving Samoa Airways Twin Otter (5W-FAY) Flight 990, at Fitiuta Airport, Manu’a Islands.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has completed its initial assessment and has officially released the aircraft from its investigative hold. PAAS will continue its investigation of the runway excursion today and tomorrow. PAAS will also coordinate with Samoa Airways on the next steps for the removal and recovery of the aircraft.

The runway is open with normal flight operations, with two Samoa Airways flights operating today. A Samoa Airways engineer is now onsite. The flight advisory remains in effect while recovery operations are coordinated.

As previously announced, due to the unavailability of a chartered aircraft today, PAAS has arranged for a charter flight today — Thursday July 30th — to continue its onsite investigation. Port Director Barney Sene and members of the Airport investigation team will travel to Fitiuta to assess the incident site, coordinate recovery operations with Samoa Airways, and the safe restoration of the affected area.

The aircraft and the immediate surrounding area continue to be secured by PAAS while recovery plans are finalized.

PAAS appreciates the continued support and cooperation of all partner agencies involved in the response. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.