A Samoa Airways Twin Otter aircraft that cost tens of millions to refurbish veered off the runway after landing at Fitiuta Airport in American Samoa on Tuesday morning, leaving one person injured.
According to a press release, Flight 990 landed on Runway 12 at approximately 10:37 am (Samoa Standard Time) before veering off the centre of the runway.
Five people were on board the aircraft, including two pilots and three passengers, one of whom was an airline staff member.
Authorities confirmed there were no fatalities, however, the airline staff member sustained a leg injury and is receiving treatment at the Fitiuta Clinic.
“The cause of the runway excursion has not yet been determined and remains under investigation,” states the airline.
Newly refurbished 5W-FAY has veered off the runway at Fitiuta Airport, in Manu’a on Tau Island, American Samoa.
The twin otter has been identified as the 5W-FAY which Samoa Airways had recently welcomed back, after a multi-million tala complete overhaul and refurbishment by Unity Aviation Canada Ltd.
According to a Samoa Airways press release, the 46-year-old aircraft has been in operation for 28 years, and “the refurbishment work that began in September 2025, is expected to extend the aircraft’s operational life by another 30 years.”
The newly refurbished 5W-FAY and 5W-FAW 5W-FAY and 5W-FAW cost approximately SAT$22 million tala to refurbish.
As stated earlier by Samoa Airways, refurbishment of the 5W-FAY and 5W-FAW had cost approximately ST$22 million tala.
According to the press statement, airport officials are working closely with the relevant authorities to assess the incident and ensure the continued safety of airport operations.
“Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel responded to secure the aircraft and assist those on board, and officers from the American Samoa Department of Public Safety were also at the scene supporting the response.”
Samoa Airways says more information will be released as it becomes available.
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