Damaged Samoa Airways Aircraft 5W-FAY dismantled – Repair Decision Pending

Apia, SAMOA – 18 August 2026 — Samoa Airways has confirmed that a coordinated technical recovery to dismantle its aircraft 5W-FAY, that was damaged when the aircraft veered off the runway during landing in Taʻū, Manuʻa, amid gusty wind conditions two weeks ago.

Samoa Airways says that after an assessment of the aircraft’s current condition, the airline has decided that, instead of ferrying the aircraft for repair at its maintenance base in Faleolo, Samoa Airways has determined that dismantling the aircraft at its present location is the most appropriate course of action. The dismantling process is currently underway.

The operation is being supported by engineers from Unity Aviation Canada, who arrived in American Samoa last week to work alongside Samoa Airways engineers. Unity Aviation Canada previously carried out refurbishment work on the aircraft and is providing technical expertise to assist with the assessment and dismantling operation

This evaluation will determine whether the aircraft can ultimately be repaired locally or whether it will need to be transported to Canada for further work.

The recovery operation began on Friday, 14 August when the aircraft was slung and positioned on the runway. Engineers replaced the left-hand side main wheel, allowing the aircraft to be rolled and repositioned on the western side of the apron.

The engineering team then began preparing the aircraft for dismantling, including the removal of access panels and disconnection of engine control cables, fuel lines, electrical wiring from both wings and flight control cables. The aircraft was secured to three heavy concrete anchors to protect it from the wind while the work continued.

On Saturday 15 August, the team progressed to the removal of the primary flight controls, engine top and lower cowlings, and propeller assemblies.

The work is being undertaken with a focus on safety, technical assessment and the careful recovery of the aircraft and its components.

Samoa Airways would like to express its sincere appreciation to the American Samoa Port Authority for its cooperation and assistance in facilitating the recovery operation.

The airline also acknowledges Silver Group Pago Pago for providing the machinery and other equipment required to carry out the work.

The support received in American Samoa has been instrumental in enabling Samoa Airways and the Unity Aviation Canada engineering team to undertake the operation efficiently and safely.

Samoa Airways is grateful to all personnel and organisations who have contributed to the recovery effort and to the local community in Taʻū for its cooperation during the operation.

Further decisions regarding the future of 5W-FAY will be made once the technical assessment by Unity Aviation Canada has been completed.

Samoa Airways will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.