Ground crew at Miami International Airport made a disturbing discovery during a routine inspection of an American Airlines Boeing 737. On the right wing of the aircraft, which had just arrived from Medellín, Colombia, they found entry and exit holes consistent with impacts from firearm projectiles. The incident, while not affecting the safety of the flight itself, prompted an immediate investigation by U.S. federal transportation security authorities and Colombian officials.
Discovery of Bullet Holes
Technicians in Miami found signs of gunfire on the right wing aileron of a Boeing 737 after its flight from Colombia.
No Malfunctions During Flight
The aircraft's systems operated correctly, and the pilots were unaware of the hit until after the operation concluded.
Federal Investigation
The FAA and FBI are investigating the incident in cooperation with Colombian authorities to identify the perpetrators.
During a routine technical inspection after the landing of flight AA923 from Medellín to Miami, technicians discovered perforations in the wing structure of a Boeing 737-800. The damage was located on the aileron of the right wing. Preliminary ballistic examinations confirmed that the holes were caused by live ammunition impacts. This event is particularly dangerous because the crew did not notice any anomalies in the onboard systems' operation or a drop in hydraulic system pressure during the flight, meaning the damage was only discovered on the ground. Aviation security experts suggest the shots may have been fired during a critical flight phase, such as approach to landing or takeoff from José María Córdova Airport in Medellín. The aircraft is at a relatively low altitude at that time, making it vulnerable to ground fire from long-range weapons. The U.S. FAA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have begun analyzing the flight trajectory and ballistics to precisely determine the incident's location. Cooperation with the Colombian government aims to clarify whether the plane became an accidental target in local criminal group disputes or was a deliberate attack on a U.S. carrier. Colombia has been grappling with paramilitary groups and drug cartels for decades, which have repeatedly attacked transportation infrastructure in the past, including the tragic bombing of Avianca Flight 203 in 1989. American Airlines confirmed in an official statement that the aircraft has been temporarily taken out of service for necessary repairs and to secure forensic evidence. The airline emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains the priority and that the incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness as a direct threat to air traffic. Authorities in Medellín announced increased security measures in the air corridors over the Antioquia region, where numerous narcotraficantes units operate. This situation calls into question security protocols for civilian flights operating in high-risk conflict zones.