Possible Bullet Holes Found on American Airlines Plane After Colombia Flight

Aircraft grounded for investigation after puncture marks discovered during routine inspection in Miami

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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An American Airlines jet was found with possible bullet holes on its exterior after completing a flight from Medellin, Colombia, to Miami. The damage was discovered during a routine post-flight inspection at Miami International Airport, with puncture marks resembling bullet holes found on the plane's right wing assembly. The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair as the airline works with authorities to investigate the incident.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about safety and security at Medellin's airport, which was once notorious for high levels of violence and drug-related crime before becoming a popular tourist destination. The discovery of possible gunfire damage on the American Airlines plane could impact traveler confidence and prompt increased scrutiny of airport security procedures.

The details

During the inspection, maintenance crews noticed puncture marks on the right aileron, the part of the wing that controls roll and allows the airplane to turn. The plane, registered as N342SX, first departed Miami on Sunday as Flight AA923 for Medellin's Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, where it stayed overnight in Colombia. It then completed the return leg as Flight AA924, landing in Miami around 10:33 a.m. on Monday. Following the discovery, flight technicians at the Miami airport conducted temporary structural patching to stabilize the wing, and the aircraft later departed as a non-commercial flight to American Airlines' maintenance hub at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

  • The plane departed Miami on Sunday as Flight AA923 for Medellin.
  • The plane completed the return leg as Flight AA924, landing in Miami around 10:33 a.m. on Monday.
  • Maintenance crews discovered the possible bullet holes during a routine post-flight inspection at Miami International Airport on Monday.

The players

American Airlines

A major U.S. airline that operates the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft involved in this incident.

Miami International Airport

The airport where the possible bullet holes were discovered on the American Airlines plane after it arrived from Colombia.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

The American Airlines maintenance hub where the aircraft was flown for further inspection and assessment by specialized engineers.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— American Airlines (foxbusiness.com)

What’s next

Specialized engineers at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport maintenance hub will assess the jet and determine whether any additional mechanisms were impacted by the possible bullet holes.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security concerns at some international airports, even as Medellin has transformed into a popular tourist destination. It will likely prompt a thorough investigation by American Airlines and aviation authorities to determine the cause of the damage and ensure the safety of future flights.