Ground crew of American Airlines discovered bullet marks on the wing of a Boeing 737-800 that flew from Miami to Medellín. The damage was located on the aileron of the aircraft's right wing. Although the pilots did not report any problems during the flight, the plane was immediately taken out of service. Investigators are examining whether the aircraft was targeted in a deliberate attack during descent for landing in Medellín, Colombia, or fell victim to accidental ground fire.
Discovery of Fuselage Perforation
Technicians found bullet holes on the aileron of the right wing during post-landing inspection in Medellín.
Safe Landing
The pilots did not feel the effects of the shooting, and the landing in Colombia proceeded without disruption for passengers.
Aircraft Grounded from Flights
The American Airlines aircraft with number N916NN has been grounded pending the completion of investigative examinations.
During a routine technical inspection of an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft, structural damage was discovered, identified as perforation from bullets. The incident concerns the aircraft operating flight AA923 from Miami to Medellín, Colombia. Detailed examination revealed the presence of entry and exit holes on the aileron of the right wing. Despite the breach in the control surface structure, the pilots managed to land safely at the destination airport, and onboard systems did not register any pressure drop or hydraulic failure during the flight operation. The carrier confirmed that the unit with registration number N916NN has been grounded to conduct a detailed ballistic expertise and necessary repairs. Investigators are currently analyzing the flight trajectory based on data from flight data recorders to precisely determine the moment and location of the impact. Initial hypotheses suggest the aircraft may have been hit during the landing approach procedure when it was at a relatively low altitude over areas controlled by local gangs or paramilitary groups. The security situation in Colombia has remained tense for decades due to the activities of drug cartels and guerrilla groups, such as FARC or ELN, which control trade routes near major cities. Aviation security experts note that hitting the aileron, although dangerous, did not lead to fuselage decompression or fuel tank damage, which directly prevented a tragedy. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is closely cooperating with Colombian police to clarify whether the event was a deliberate act targeting civilian transport. Medellín, despite tremendous developmental progress in recent years, still grapples with organized crime operating in neighborhoods surrounding transportation hubs.