A serious security investigation is underway after maintenance crews at Miami International Airport (MIA) discovered bullet holes on an American Airlines aircraft following its return from Colombia.
The aircraft involved, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 (N342SX), had just completed Flight AA924 from Medellín to Miami on the morning of February 23. It wasn’t until the plane was on the ground and passengers had deplaned that crews noticed puncture marks on the right aileron – a critical component for flight control and balance.
The jet flew from Miami to Medellín (MDE) on Feb 22, stayed overnight, and returned the next morning.
Despite the damage, the aircraft cruised at FL360 across the Caribbean and landed safely without incident.
Authorities are now investigating whether the shots were fired while the plane was on the ground in Medellín or during low-altitude arrival/departure phases.
After discovery, technicians at MIA applied temporary structural patching. The aircraft was then ferried to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) for maintenance. It remains grounded there today as engineers conduct a deep-dive inspection.
