American Airlines 737 MAX Shows Bullet Holes After Colombia Flight

Colombian authorities have launched an investigation after an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 was discovered with bullet holes during a post-flight inspection. The damage was found on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Miami International Airport (MIA) following the aircraft's arrival from Medellín, Colombia. Preliminary assessments suggest the aircraft was struck by gunfire during its approach or landing at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE).

The incident underscores the persistent security risks commercial aircraft face when operating in regions with high levels of criminal activity or civil unrest. While no injuries were reported and the flight crew did not notice any anomalies during the flight, the discovery of structural damage from ballistic impacts has triggered a multi-national inquiry involving aviation safety and security agencies.

Incident Details

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with registration N342SX, was operating as Flight AA924 from Medellín to Miami. According to American Airlines, maintenance technicians discovered the damage during a routine post-flight walkaround inspection in Miami. The damage was described as puncture marks consistent with bullet holes located on the aircraft's right aileron, a critical flight control surface on the trailing edge of the wing.

In a statement, American Airlines confirmed the event: “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.”

Following the discovery, the aircraft was taken out of service and subsequently ferried to American Airlines' primary maintenance hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for a comprehensive structural inspection and repair. The flight crew operating Flight AA924 had not reported any control issues or unusual events during the flight, indicating the damage did not compromise the aircraft's immediate airworthiness.

Regulatory and Security Scrutiny

The investigation is being led by Colombia's national aviation authority, the Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronáutica Civil (Aerocivil). As the incident is believed to have occurred within Colombian airspace, Aerocivil is responsible for examining the circumstances, including a thorough review of airport perimeter security at MDE. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also expected to be involved, given that the damage was discovered on US soil and involves a US-based carrier. Aerocivil officials noted that while they were aware of the situation through the airline, they had not yet received a formal notification from American Airlines or US authorities.

The inquiry will likely focus on identifying the source of the gunfire and assessing potential vulnerabilities in security protocols along the approach paths to Medellín's airport. Such investigations typically involve ballistic analysis of the projectile fragments, if any can be recovered, and a review of ground activity at the time of the aircraft's landing.

A Recurring Threat in Aviation

While alarming, incidents of commercial aircraft being struck by ground fire are not unprecedented. This event recalls a series of similar occurrences in 2024, when multiple aircraft operated by American Airlines, Spirit, and JetBlue were hit by gunfire while flying in and out of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, amid a surge in gang violence. Those incidents prompted airlines to adjust schedules and flight paths to mitigate risks.

The vulnerability of aircraft is highest during the takeoff and landing phases of flight, when they are at low altitudes and slower speeds, making them more susceptible to ground-based threats. This latest incident in Colombia serves as a stark reminder to airlines and regulators about the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments for routes that overfly or operate into areas with known security challenges. Airport perimeter security, which falls under the jurisdiction of local authorities, is a critical component of mitigating these risks.

Why This Matters

This incident highlights the complex security challenges that extend beyond the airport terminal and directly impact flight operations. For airlines, it necessitates a continuous re-evaluation of route-specific security risks and crew procedures. For regulators and airport authorities, it places a spotlight on the critical need for robust perimeter security and intelligence sharing to protect aircraft during their most vulnerable phases of flight. The outcome of the Aerocivil investigation could influence international standards for airport security in regions with elevated ground-level threats, reinforcing the link between local law enforcement and global aviation safety.

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