American Samoa Representative, Taotasi Archie Soliai, has called on the Department of Port Administration to conduct an investigation into the aborted landing of a Polynesian Airlines flight at Pago Pago International Airport.
According to Taotasi, last Friday's aborted landing was due to a helicopter that was directly in the flight path of the Polynesian aircraft upon its approach for landing.
In a letter to Director of Port Administration Taimalelagi Dr Claire Poumele, Taotasi said quick decision-making by the Polynesian Airlines pilots avoided what could have been a tragic accident.
Taotasi said it was his understanding that the Polynesian Airlines pilots tried to communicate with the helicopter pilot to no avail, and then made a quick decision to abort landing to avoid what could have been a tragedy.
While thankful that a collision was avoided the lawmaker said the incident raises grave safety concerns.
He asked that Port initiate an investigation into the incident as soon as possible.
