Tonga’s Lulutai Airlines Faces Service Disruption as Saab 340B Suffers Ground Incident
Tonga-based Lulutai Airlines is grappling with operational challenges after a Saab 340B(Plus) aircraft, registered as A3-PUA (msn 408), experienced a runway excursion and collided with a cement block during taxiing at Fua’amotu Airport on December 8, 2023. The incident has led to the grounding of the Saab 340B indefinitely due to significant damage sustained during the impact.
Key Points:
- Runway Excursion Details: The Saab 340B, operating a scheduled flight from Tongatapu to Vava’u, encountered technical issues, reportedly related to a hydraulic problem. As the aircraft attempted to return to Fua’amotu Airport, it lost control after landing, resulting in a runway excursion.
- Impact and Damage: While taxiing on the apron back to the terminal, the aircraft collided with a cement block, causing substantial damage. The right engine rested on the cement block, and the right-wing landing gear collapsed. Despite the severity of the incident, all 35 passengers on board remained unharmed.
- Technical Assessment: Lulutai Airlines CEO Poasi Tei stated that a comprehensive damage assessment is pending, and the airline is uncertain about the extent of repair work required. The timeline for repairs and the aircraft’s return to service remains undetermined.
- Investigation Initiated: Both Lulutai Airlines and Tonga’s Civil Aviation Division are conducting investigations to determine the root cause of the incident. The focus is on understanding the technical issue that prompted the aircraft to return and the circumstances leading to the subsequent runway excursion.
- Fleet Overview: Lulutai Airlines operates a fleet comprising two Saab 340B(Plus) aircraft, one of which is now grounded due to the incident. The airline recently added a DHC-6-400 to its fleet.
The Saab 340B’s unexpected ground incident poses operational disruptions for Lulutai Airlines, prompting investigations and evaluations to ascertain the extent of the damage and necessary repairs. The airline remains committed to ensuring passenger safety and the reliability of its services, emphasizing a thorough examination of the incident’s causes.