Inoperable beacon on Mt Logotala threatens flights landing safely at night

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Aua Representative Faimealelei Anthony Allen has called on the Port Administration to take immediate action to ensure the beacon on Mt Logotala is working to ensure that flights land safely at night.

Faimealelei told the House yesterday that their flight last week was circling around the airport as the beacon that guides landing aircraft at Pago Pago International Airport was not working.

“This should be a priority as it is a safety concern, before a tragedy happens.”

Adding that the aircraft was about to land when it abruptly ascended again under heavy rainfall. He found out later visibility was poor due to the rain and clouds, and given that the beacon guide was not working. 

He said this is a serious matter and should be treated with urgency. The Deputy Speaker of the House Fetu Fetui Jr, then called on the House committee responsible for the airport to hold a hearing to question officials of Port Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Last month Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga shared his concerns with clauses of two federal laws impacting American Samoa infrastructure improvements moving forward, one of which concerned an air traffic control tower.

In his written testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the governor emphasized that American Samoa does not have an Air Traffic Control Tower at the Pago Pago International Airport. “American Samoa needs funding opportunities to allow for the initial construction of an Air Traffic Control Tower,” he said.

Pago Pago International Airport has been without a tower for many years and at the time it was claimed by the federal government that the airport does not have sufficient traffic in and out for a control tower.

Local lawmakers, previous governors and other leaders have all continued over the years to push for a control tower, while air traffic in and out of Pago Pago International Airport is monitored by Faleolo International Airport in neighboring Samoa.