Talofa Airways flight 511 from Apia to Pago Pago landed with its forward fuselage resting directly on the tarmac after the front landing gear assembly failed. The absence of the front wheel caused the aircraft to tilt forward, with the nose making contact with the ground.
Passenger Mataua Aasa-Matai shared on Facebook, expressing relief and gratitude for the pilot’s handling of the situation. Mataua wrote, “Survivors of Talofa Airways flight 511 (Apia/PPG)… With grateful hearts of thanksgiving to the Almighty Father for his guidance on our TA511 passengers and pilot. Despite the incident we’ve encountered on our landing site. Shouts to our pilot (a Tongan gentleman) for being brave and confident in steering the aircraft when the front wheel tilted and popped. Despite that, you made a safe crash landing on the runway…. all THANKS to our Heavenly Father.”
A photo taken by Mataua at the airport showed eight passengers. When questioned by the Samoa Observer Newspaper, Toleafoa Jeffrey Hunter, owner of Talofa Airways, stated, “The most important thing is the plane landed safely, without any issues, and the people were unharmed. Any other information about what happened is under investigation by Talofa Airways and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).”
Notably, there was no other mention of the incident on Talofa Airways’ official online channels. The only statement available was a Facebook post yesterday saying, “We take this opportunity to thank all our loyal and faithful customers for your continuous support. All our flights are on schedule today. We pray for those who are working hard to defame our airline. God bless you!”
Supportive comments from the public about the post included Roy Ausage, who commended the airline’s management and improvements in air service between the two Samoas. Joe Toleafoa praised the professionalism and safety priorities of the airline. Ulai Fidow acknowledged the airline’s contribution to life-saving operations. Mikkadesh Utusilia Tialigo-Letalu expressed relief and appreciation for the airline’s efforts.
In 2018, Talofa Airways faced a suspension by civil aviation authorities due to an incident at Faleolo International Airport involving overheated brake pads and smoke.
