American Airlines Inspects 737 MAX for Bullet Damage After Medellin Flight

An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 has been removed from service in Miami after maintenance personnel discovered a puncture in the aircraft’s wing assembly, suspected to be from a bullet. The damage was identified during a routine post-flight inspection after the aircraft completed its journey from Medellín, Colombia, to Miami International Airport (MIA).

The incident has initiated an investigation involving aviation authorities from both the United States and Colombia to determine the nature and origin of the damage. The event highlights the critical role of ground crew inspections in identifying potential safety threats and raises questions about airport perimeter security.

In a statement, American Airlines confirmed the discovery. “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.”

Aircraft and Flight Details

The aircraft involved is a Boeing 737 MAX 8, a key component of American Airlines' narrowbody fleet. The carrier's 737 MAX 8 fleet is projected to reach 88 aircraft by the end of 2025. This specific aircraft variant is configured by American Airlines to carry 172 passengers in a two-class layout and has a range of approximately 3,550 nautical miles. The flight originated at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), which serves Medellín.

The damage was described as a puncture through the right wing's aileron. The aircraft will remain grounded at MIA pending a full structural assessment and any necessary repairs. The airline has not disclosed the specific flight number or the aircraft's registration, though some unverified reports identified it as N342SX.

Investigation and Regulatory Framework

Given the international nature of the flight, the investigation requires cooperation between multiple agencies. In the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has primary jurisdiction over aircraft incidents, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) participating. The investigation will adhere to procedures outlined in regulations such as 49 CFR Part 831 (NTSB investigation procedures) and FAA Order 8020.11C, which governs incident reporting.

Colombian authorities, specifically the Civil Aeronautics Authority of Colombia (Aerocivil), will also be involved. Aerocivil acknowledged awareness of the reports but stated it had not yet been formally contacted by the airline or U.S. authorities. International investigative protocols, guided by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), will provide the framework for collaboration, data collection, and analysis between the U.S. and Colombian agencies.

The primary objectives of the investigation will be to confirm the cause of the puncture, determine when and where the damage occurred—whether on the ground in Medellín, during takeoff, in-flight, or upon landing in Miami—and assess any related security vulnerabilities.

Context of Aviation Security Incidents

While incidents of commercial aircraft being struck by gunfire are rare, they are not unprecedented. This event adds to a small but concerning list of similar occurrences. In November 2024, aircraft operated by Spirit, JetBlue, and American Airlines were reportedly struck by gunfire during operations in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, amid civil unrest. Additionally, a Southwest Airlines aircraft was hit by a stray bullet while taxiing at Dallas Love Field in 2024.

These events underscore the persistent security challenges facing airports, particularly concerning perimeter integrity and the mitigation of external threats. The discovery of the damage on the American Airlines 737 MAX during a post-flight check also validates the importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance and inspection procedures as a final line of defense in the aviation safety system.

What Comes Next

The aircraft will undergo a detailed examination by American Airlines' technical operations team to assess the full extent of the structural damage. The NTSB and FAA will lead the formal investigation in the U.S., which will likely involve analyzing the puncture for ballistics evidence in coordination with law enforcement.

Communication and data sharing between U.S. investigators and Aerocivil in Colombia will be crucial to piecing together the timeline of events. The aircraft is expected to remain out of service for an extended period until all inspections and repairs are completed and certified by regulatory authorities.

Why This Matters

This incident brings airport security and the vulnerability of aircraft on the ground into sharp focus. For investigators, it tests the protocols for international cooperation in safety and security events. The outcome will likely inform security assessments at José María Córdova International Airport and reinforce the value of diligent post-flight inspections across the airline industry.

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