A small aircraft that was damaged at Fua'amotu Airport on Friday 24 April, remains grounded at the domestic airport.

Matangi Tonga understands it was being operated by the Tonga Government for maritime surveillance operations. While no official statement has been made, it is evident that the aircraft has a damaged propeller and that the nose wheel has collapsed.

The Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has confirmed to Matangi Tonga today that the aircraft is managed by the FFA.

“We can confirm that this aircraft is managed by FFA to provide aerial surveillance services to FFA Members in support of national maritime security priorities. 

“The aircraft was in Tonga at the request of the Government of Tonga to carry out these surveillance services. We are unable to comment further at this stage, as the matter is currently being handled by the Tonga authorities,” said Emily V. Moli, Communications Manager for FFA International.

The identifying name and number on the right side of the aircraft have been concealed with tape, but the FFA insignia remains visible on the tail.

The FFA website states that their aerial surveillance is provided by two dedicated King Air B200 aircraft, available 365 days per year, for up to 1440 hours of air surveillance per year.

“Our Aerial Surveillance Program (ASP) commenced in December 2017 and is funded by Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program. The objectives of theprogram are to:

• Support ASP members to protect their Exclusive Economic Zones
• Build Maritime Domain Awareness
• Encourage interagency collaboration
• Create a deterrence effect to Maritime Security Threats
• Generate intelligence to enhance maritime patrol effectiveness

The FFA managed aircraft operate in response to member requests following a tasking process.

“We have operational coordination control of the program through a dedicated team at our Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC),” the website states.

The aircraft are available for member states to respond to all maritime security related threats, including IUU fishing, drug trafficking, people smuggling and search and rescue.

“Notably, when in country, the aircraft is treated as “state” aircraft providing our PICs additional surveillance capability for more effective maritime surveillance.”

Matangi Tonga understands that if the aircraft incident at Fua'amotu Airport happened during landing or while taxiing then it will be subject to an international air accident investigation.

An investigation process may be similar to the investigation following Lulutai Airline’s Saab 340B accident on the runway apron on 8 December 2022, when upon landing, the Lulutai aircraft lost brake pressure while taxiing to the domestic terminal. It exited the taxiway, struck a disused refuelling bund, and the right landing gear collapsed.