An American Airlines aircraft touched down at Miami International Airport with bullet holes in one of its wings after completing a flight from Colombia. The incident is now under investigation by Colombian authorities and the airline itself.
Flight AA923, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 capable of carrying over 160 passengers, traveled from Medellín to Miami over the weekend.
It was only after the plane landed in Florida that a routine post-flight inspection revealed punctures in the right aileron, a crucial component for the aircraft's lateral balance.
Discovery of Damage Upon Landing in Miami
American Airlines confirmed in a statement to U.S. media that their teams "identified a puncture" on the aircraft's exterior during a routine check after its return to Miami.
"The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair. We are cooperating closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident," the company stated.
Despite the bullet marks, the flight operated normally and landed without issues. The airline confirmed there were no operational problems linked to the incident, nor were there any injuries aboard.
Flight tracking platforms such as FlightAware and Flightradar24 showed no significant delays or changes in the flight path between Medellín and Miami.
Subsequently, the plane flew from Miami to Dallas-Fort Worth, the primary hub for American Airlines, for a more thorough evaluation and comprehensive repairs.
Unclear Timeline of the Incident
The exact timing of when the aircraft was hit remains uncertain, with initial reports providing varying accounts.
Colombian authorities, as cited by ABC News, suggest a preliminary investigation indicates the impact may have occurred during the plane's landing in Medellín on Sunday.
Authorities are focusing their investigation on a potential criminal group, though no definitive conclusions have been reached yet.
NBC News, citing a source familiar with the situation, confirmed that the puncture was indeed a bullet impact.
The same outlet reported that the damage was detected during a routine inspection while the aircraft was still in Medellín.
However, Colombia's Civil Aviation Authority released a statement saying it had not been contacted by the airline or U.S. authorities regarding the discovery.
"The Civil Aviation Authority remains attentive to any official communication from international organizations or the airline that might clarify the facts and determine the origin of the reported issues," the entity stated in a release on Tuesday.
Damage to a Critical Wing Surface
The bullet hole was found in the right aileron of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, a movable surface on the wing that plays a vital role in controlling the aircraft's lateral balance.
While American Airlines emphasized that the puncture did not hinder the aircraft's ability to fly, the fact that the damage occurred in a sensitive structural component has heightened attention on the case.
After landing in Miami, company technicians reportedly applied temporary patches to stabilize the affected surface before authorizing the aircraft's transfer to Dallas-Fort Worth, where engineers are now conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the wings.
The plane remains grounded while thorough inspections are performed.
Ongoing Investigation and Unresolved Questions
Colombian authorities have stated they are investigating the potential criminal origins of the incident, though no suspects or concrete details about how and where the shooting occurred have been released.
The case first gained exposure on social media through the aviation-focused account JonNYC, quickly drawing media attention.
Subsequently, U.S. media outlets confirmed the finding and expanded on the details with official statements.
It remains to be determined whether the impact happened during the landing phase in Medellín, during ground operations, or at another point in the itinerary.
Additionally, it's unclear why the Colombian aviation authority claimed not to have been officially contacted, raising questions about notification protocols in such incidents.
For now, American Airlines maintains that the flight's safety was not compromised and is working in coordination with the relevant authorities to clarify what transpired.
Key Questions About the American Airlines Bullet Impact Incident
What was discovered during the post-flight inspection in Miami?
During a routine post-flight inspection in Miami, American Airlines technicians identified bullet holes in the right aileron of the aircraft.
Has the cause of the bullet impact been determined?
As of now, the exact cause and timing of the bullet impact remain unclear. Colombian authorities are investigating potential criminal links.
Were there any flight disruptions due to the incident?
No, the flight proceeded without disruptions or operational issues related to the incident, and landed safely in Miami.
What actions have been taken by American Airlines following the discovery?
American Airlines has removed the aircraft from service for detailed inspection and repairs, and is collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate the incident.