Fitiuta Airport has reopened for flight operations following a runway excursion involving a Samoa Airways Twin Otter aircraft operating as Flight 990, the Port Administration of American Samoa (PAAS) said Wednesday.
In an update issued at 4 pm, PAAS said the runway reopened after consultation with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. A flight advisory has also been issued to provide airline partners with the latest operational information.
The agency said it activated its emergency response procedures immediately after the incident. Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting personnel responded to secure the aircraft and ensure the safety of all occupants, while airport operations staff in Fitiuta transported passengers to the terminal. Personnel from the American Samoa Department of Public Safety and other government agencies arrived about 15 minutes later to assist with the response.
PAAS said the aircraft will remain at the site of the runway excursion until further investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. The agency said it will secure the immediate area around the clock until the investigation is completed and that the airport remains a secure facility that is not open to public access.
