The first Samoa Airways flight from Fagalii Airport to Tafuna, this morning, hit a bird as it was preparing for takeoff.
A passenger on board the full flight said as the plane was revving up for liftoff, they heard a loud bang. He said the pilot immediately aborted takeoff and shut off the engine. After the passengers disembarked they were told that a bird had flown into the engine.
The passengers waited in the departure lounge at Fagalii as the airline made arrangements to accommodate them.
The plane, which experienced the bird strike, was grounded and the travelers boarded another Twin Otter to bring them to Pago Pago.
Interim CEO of Samoa Airways Fauo’o Fatu Tielu confirmed the bird strike.
