Newly Refurbished Samoa Airways Twin Otter Involved in Runway Excursion at Fitiuta Airport

A Samoa Airways Twin Otter that had only recently completed a major refurbishment veered off the runway at Fitiuta Airport on Tuesday morning, injuring one person and prompting an immediate emergency response from authorities in American Samoa.

The incident occurred at 10:37am when Flight 990 landed on Runway 12 and suddenly departed the paved surface. On board were two pilots and three passengers. One airline staff member suffered a leg injury and was treated at the Fitiuta Clinic. No other injuries were reported.

The aircraft involved, registered as 5W‑FAY, had undergone a full structural and systems renewal in Canada. The overhaul, carried out by Unity Aviation Canada Ltd, was part of a multi‑million tala investment aimed at extending the aircraft’s operational life by up to three decades. Both 5W‑FAY and its sister aircraft 5W‑FAW were refurbished at a combined cost of SAT$22 million, marking one of the airline’s largest recent fleet upgrades.

Samoa Airways said the aircraft encountered strong crosswinds during landing, though the exact cause of the runway excursion has not yet been determined. The airline has activated its emergency procedures and is cooperating with investigators.

Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting teams secured the aircraft and assisted passengers, while officers from the American Samoa Department of Public Safety also responded. The aircraft remains at Fitiuta Airport as authorities continue their assessment.