Samoa Airways (OL, Apia Faleolo) is preparing DHC-6-300 5W-FAY (msn 690) for transport from Fitiuta after deciding against temporary repairs and a ferry flight to its Apia Faleolo maintenance base. The aircraft will be dismantled on site, with its future to be determined following a technical assessment. The grounding leaves a third of the carrier's fleet inoperational.

5W-FAY was recovered from the airport on August 14, 2026, after a July 28 runway excursion. Engineers from Unity Aviation will assess whether it can be repaired in Samoa or requires further work in Canada. The recovery had previously been expected to take up to three months.