Crew member injured as Samoa Airways plane veers off runway
Initial reports indicate that the DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft encountered strong crosswinds during its final approach and landing on Wednesday morning, Samoa Airways said in a statement.
A crew member aboard a Samoa Airways DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft sustained a leg injury after the plane veered off the runway during landing at Fitiuta Airport in American Samoa on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred due to strong crosswinds during the final approach and landing, as reported by the airline. The aircraft, which had five people on board including two pilots and three passengers, came to a stop at the airport and will remain there pending a thorough investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board.
Samoa Airways has activated its emergency response procedures and is cooperating with aviation authorities, airport officials, and emergency services. The airline praised the crew for their professionalism and adherence to safety protocols. The Port Administration of American Samoa has secured the area surrounding the aircraft until the investigation is concluded.
The airport remains off-limits to the public at all times. The plane had recently undergone a NZ$14 million overhaul and refurbishment by Unity Aviation Canada Ltd., extending its operational lifespan by an additional 30 years.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Pacific's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
