MIAMI – An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft landed at Miami International Airport on Monday with visible damage consistent with gunfire, prompting an investigation by both U.S. And Colombian aviation authorities. The plane had flown from Medellín, Colombia, the previous day as flight AA923 and the damage was discovered during a routine post-flight inspection, according to reports from CBS News and multiple Colombian news outlets.
Initial assessments indicate the aircraft sustained puncture marks on its right aileron, a critical flight control surface. Sources familiar with the matter, as reported by CBS News, suggest the damage is consistent with a bullet strike, featuring a small round hole on one side and corresponding damage on the other. The incident raises questions about aviation security in the region and the potential for escalating risks to commercial air travel. The airline immediately removed the plane from service for further inspection and repair.
Details of the Incident and Initial Findings
The damage was first reported by airline blogger JonNYC on X (formerly Twitter), quickly gaining attention within the aviation community. According to documents reviewed by CBS News, ground crew in Medellín reported a puncture that “extends all the way through the right-hand aileron.” While the exact timing and location of the incident remain unclear, investigators are working to determine whether the damage occurred while the aircraft was on the ground in Colombia or during the flight itself.
American Airlines flight AA923 from Medellin, Colombia to Miami has landed with a bullet hole in the right wing. pic.twitter.com/9oJqJqJq9q
— JonNYC (@JonNYC) February 24, 2026
American Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, stating, “Following a routine inspection, our teams identified a puncture to the exterior of one of our aircraft in Medellín, Colombia. The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair. We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident.” The airline emphasized that there were no injuries and no flight-related issues experienced during the journey. Despite the damage, the plane was temporarily patched and operated as scheduled back to Miami on Monday morning, according to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, before being flown to Dallas for more extensive repairs.
Regional Context and Previous Incidents
This incident is not isolated. In 2024, several planes operated by Spirit, JetBlue, and American Airlines were struck by gunfire while taking off or landing in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as gang violence surged in the capital city, as reported by CBS News. This recent event in Colombia adds to concerns about the vulnerability of aircraft operating in regions experiencing political instability or armed conflict. Semana.com reported that the aircraft involved, a 737 MAX 8, was completing a round trip between Miami and Medellín when the damage was discovered.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Civil Aviation Authority of Colombia has launched an investigation into the incident, despite initially stating they had no information about it, according to CBS News. American Airlines is cooperating fully with the investigation, and the aircraft will remain grounded in Dallas while engineers conduct a thorough assessment of the damage. El Espectador detailed that the investigation will focus on determining the origin of the gunfire and assessing any potential risks to passenger safety.
Authorities have not yet released information regarding potential suspects or motives. The incident underscores the need for heightened security measures at airports in regions facing security challenges. Passengers traveling to and from Colombia are advised to monitor travel advisories and remain vigilant about their surroundings. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
American Airlines has not indicated any changes to its flight schedule to Medellín at this time. The airline is committed to ensuring the safety of its passengers and crew and will continue to work with authorities to address any security concerns. The next official update is expected from the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority within the next 72 hours, as they continue their forensic analysis of the aircraft and surrounding airspace.
If you have been affected by this incident or have concerns about aviation security, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Your feedback is important as we continue to follow this developing story.
