Samoa Airways says all passengers and crew on a flight to American Samoa earlier this week were safe after a bird strike forced it to return to Fagalii airport on Wednesday, Nov 19, Tuesday our time.
Samoa Observer reports the bird strike happened shortly after take-off around 10:15 am, when the Twin Otter aircraft was climbing through about 400 feet and encountered a flock of birds.
The crew immediately aborted the climb, circled the airfield, and executed a controlled landing back at Fagali‘i.
All 16 Pago Pago-bound passengers disembarked without injury and were placed on the next available service shortly after midday.
According to Samoa Airways Supervisor at Fagali‘i, Tuala Maria Tevaga, passengers praised the pilots for their quick response and calm professionalism.
Samoa Airways engineers are conducting a comprehensive inspection of the Twin Otter, including the engines, to assess and repair any damage caused by the incident.
The aircraft will not return to service until it is certified completely safe leaving the airline with one aircraft for its operations.
The third aircraft is currently undergoing a refit in Canada.
Bird activity around the Fagali‘i area has long been recognized as an ongoing risk for aircraft.
