US Federal authorities and airline officials are investigating after an American Airlines jet landed at Miami International Airport with bullet holes in its wing following a round trip to Colombia.
The damage was discovered during a routine post-flight inspection of Flight AA923 on Monday. Technicians found puncture marks on the right aileron of the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The aileron is a critical flight control surface located on the trailing edge of the wing that is responsible for maintaining the aircraft’s lateral balance and controlling rolls.
Despite the damage, American Airlines confirmed that the aircraft operated without flight-related issues and landed safely in Miami. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew members on board. The aircraft, which typically seats more than 160 passengers, had been at Jose Maria Córdova International Airport near Medellin, Colombia, on Sunday before completing its return leg to South Florida.
The American Airlines aircraft shot in Colombia is undergoing a comprehensive inspection
American Airlines stated that the aircraft was immediately removed from service for a comprehensive inspection and repair. The company emphasized that it is working closely with relevant law enforcement and aviation authorities to determine where and how the gunfire occurred.
Flight tracking data indicated no significant delays or mid-air emergencies during the trip, suggesting the crew may have been unaware of the strike until the plane was on the ground.
Bullet holes were found on the wing of an American Airlines 737 MAX 8 after landing in Miami from Colombia, according to media reports.
Flight AA923 landed at Miami International Airport on Monday when a routine post-flight inspection found the puncture marks on the aircraft's… pic.twitter.com/G2RpgU6Zse
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Maintenance teams at Miami International Airport performed temporary patching to stabilize the wing surface before the jet was ferried to the airline’s primary maintenance hub at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Monday night. The plane remains grounded as engineers conduct a full structural assessment of the wings.
The incident comes amid a period of heightened security concerns for international carriers operating in the region. Aviation experts noted that while modern aircraft are designed to withstand small-arms fire, the location of the strikes on a primary control surface necessitates a rigorous safety review.