Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Port Administration American Samoa (PAAS) and Samoa Airways officials have launched a coordinated response and recovery operation following a runway deviation incident that occurred at Fitiuta Airport, Manu’a Islands on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

No fatalities or major injuries were reported. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was promptly notified, conducted its initial review, and has officially released the aircraft back to the operator for recovery.

IMMEDIATE AIRPORT RESPONSE AND INVESTIGATION

Under the direction of PAAS Airport Manager Tevita Fuimono and PAAS Deputy Director Tumua Matu'u, airport operations immediately secured the site and initiated a factual investigation. The airport's scope is strictly focused on operational response times, personnel deployment, and runway conditions. A preliminary visual inspection of the 3,200-foot runway showed no cracks or obstacles at the deviation site.

Airport personnel have documented the scene using drone video and photographic evidence, capturing approximately 26 official records of tire tracks and the aircraft's final position. Preliminary track analysis indicates the aircraft's nose and main gears touched down before the nose track gradually deviated to the right. Airport officials emphasized that they will present only factual data and will avoid attributing a cause to the incident, leaving the final determination to transport safety authorities and Samoa Airways.

PRELIMINARY AIRCRAFT CONDITION

Initial exterior observations handled by the airport team noted the following:

1.  Nose Gear: Collapsed, with a minor visible gap in the nose section indicating potential structural concerns.

2.  Left Landing Gear: Tire is flat, and the gear is currently wedged in nearby brush.

3.  Propeller: Dented, consistent with contact with vegetation.

4.  Wings and Belly: No obvious exterior wing damage was visible; the underbelly and left wing edge conditions remain unconfirmed.

AIRCRAFT RECOVERY AND LOGISTICS PLAN

After a video conference call on Monday, August 3, 2026, with PAAS, Samoa Airways CEO Fauo'o Fatu Tielu is finalizing a recovery strategy in partnership with Unity Aviation of Canada, which is preparing to deploy a specialized 2–3 person rescue team. The airline is also engaging local civil engineering resources to secure cranes and forklifts.

The recovery will follow a strict sequential process:

1.  Relocation: Lift and move the aircraft from the brush to a designated staging corner on the airport apron.

2.  Inspection: Conduct a thorough structural assessment.

3.  Disposal/Transport: If the aircraft is deemed repairable, it will be prepared for a ferry flight. If it cannot be safely flown, it will be carefully dismantled on-site and shipped via two 40-foot cargo containers.

The recovery efforts to eventually move (fly or ship) the aircraft to Apia, Samoa may take at least 2-3 months.

SAFETY, STAGING, AND SITE COORDINATION

To protect the airfield infrastructure, PAAS Engineering Manager Natalia Palamo will oversee the aircraft's physical relocation. The airline must submit a comprehensive recovery plan—including timing, heavy equipment loads, and crane weights—prior to moving the aircraft to ensure the protection of airport pavements and airfield lighting.

The airport has cleared apron space for the aircraft and will permit a securely bolted temporary tent to shield the team from high winds during the operation. To maintain strict airfield security and prevent unauthorized access, Samoa Airways will provide a verified list of authorized personnel before they enter the site.

NEXT STEPS

PAAS has established a shared digital repository to transparently provide the airline with all official drone footage, track measurements, and the forthcoming written investigation summary. Samoa Airways technical representatives are scheduled to conduct an immediate post-meeting physical assessment of the aircraft to finalize equipment and staging requirements.