American Airlines Investigates Bullet Holes on 737 MAX from Colombia

An American Airlines (AA) Boeing 737 MAX 8 was removed from service after maintenance personnel discovered bullet holes on a critical flight control surface during a post-flight inspection. The damage was found on February 23, 2026, at Miami International Airport (MIA) after the aircraft, registration N342SX, completed its return flight from Medellín, Colombia.

The incident has prompted a significant investigation into a serious breach of aviation security, raising questions about when and where the aircraft was struck by gunfire. The bullet holes were located on the aircraft's right aileron, a hinged surface on the trailing edge of the wing essential for controlling the plane's roll. American Airlines immediately grounded the aircraft and ferried it to its primary maintenance hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for a comprehensive damage assessment and repair.

Incident Details and Immediate Response

The aircraft had operated flight AA923 from Miami to Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) and the subsequent return flight, AA924, before the damage was identified. The discovery was made during a routine but thorough post-flight walk-around inspection, a standard procedure designed to identify any potential issues with the airframe.

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." The airline's statement suggests the damage may have occurred in Colombia, but the precise timing and location of the gunfire remain undetermined pending a full investigation.

The decision to move the aircraft to DFW underscores the potential severity of the damage. DFW is one of American's largest maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, equipped for complex structural repairs. Assessing damage to a primary flight control surface requires detailed non-destructive testing to ensure the structural integrity of the wing and control mechanisms has not been compromised.

Regulatory and Fleet Context

The repair process will be governed by strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. According to FAA rules concerning damage to pressurized fuselages and flight structures, operators must use damage-tolerance-based assessments for repairs to ensure continued airworthiness. Advisory Circular (AC) 120-73 provides specific guidance for incorporating these repair assessment guidelines into maintenance programs for large transport aircraft like the 737 MAX.

The incident involves one of the most common aircraft in the U.S. commercial fleet. According to data from Aerospace Global News, American Airlines operated a fleet of 87 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft as of September 2025. Simple Flying reported that the carrier's fleet of the type was expected to grow significantly, potentially reaching 384 units by early 2026, making it a cornerstone of its domestic and short-haul international network.

Broader Aviation Security Concerns

While highly unusual, incidents of commercial aircraft being struck by gunfire are not unprecedented and highlight significant ground security vulnerabilities. In 2024, several U.S. carriers reported their aircraft were hit by gunfire during takeoff and landing operations in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, amid widespread gang violence. These events prompted airlines to alter routes and review security protocols for operating in volatile regions.

In a separate domestic incident in November 2024, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 was struck by a bullet while taxiing at Dallas Love Field Airport. The projectile hit the fuselage just below the flight deck, though no injuries were reported. Such events have led security analysts to express concern over the potential for copycat incidents, where aircraft are intentionally targeted during vulnerable phases of flight like takeoff, landing, or while parked at an airport.

The Path Forward

The investigation into the American Airlines incident will likely involve the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Colombian aviation authorities. Investigators will focus on determining the trajectory of the bullet to ascertain the aircraft's location and altitude when it was hit. This will help determine if it was a random act of stray gunfire or a deliberate targeting of the aircraft.

For now, aircraft N342SX remains out of service. The timeline for its return depends on the extent of the internal damage to the aileron and wing structure. Repairs must be fully documented and approved by the FAA before the aircraft is cleared to fly passengers again.

Why This Matters

This incident is a stark reminder of the external security threats facing commercial aviation, even beyond acts of terrorism. It highlights the critical importance of robust ground security measures at international airports and the effectiveness of routine post-flight inspections in identifying potentially catastrophic damage. The investigation's findings will be crucial for developing strategies to mitigate risks for aircraft operating in regions with high levels of ground-based threats.

Trusted commercial aviation news and airline industry reporting are available at flying.flights. For reporting on UAP sightings, investigations, and aviation-related encounters, see the UAPs section at flying.flights/uaps.