American Airlines is investigating a serious security incident after ground crews discovered what appeared to be bullet holes on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 shortly after it arrived in Miami from Medellin.
The aircraft involved is registered as N342SX, a two point eight year old airframe delivered to the carrier in May 2023.
The discovery was made on 23 February 2026 following the arrival of flight AA924, a regularly scheduled service from Medellin to Miami.
According to initial reports, the damage was located on the rear fuselage and was identified during routine post flight inspections.
The aircraft had operated a series of rotations between Miami and Medellin in the days leading up to the incident, a pattern confirmed by flight tracking data.
The aircraft had flown AA923 from Miami to Medellin on 22 February before returning as AA924 the following day.
Nothing unusual was reported during the flight and the crew did not declare an emergency or note any abnormal indications.
American Airlines Flight AA924 – Medellin to Miami
Flightradar24 data shows that N342SX had been operating a dense schedule across the Americas in the week prior to the incident.
The aircraft completed multiple rotations between Miami and Medellin, Miami and San Francisco, and Miami and Central American destinations.
Its most recent Medellin to Miami sector lasted approximately two hours and fifty five minutes, consistent with typical block times for the route.
There were no altitude deviations, speed anomalies, or irregular manoeuvres recorded during the flight.
The aircraft departed Medellin at the scheduled time of 12:00 and arrived in Miami at 15:28.
The crew reported a normal flight with no pressurisation issues or cabin abnormalities.
This suggests that the damage did not compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft during the journey.
About The American Airlines 737 MAX…
N342SX is a Boeing 737 MAX 8 built at Renton with manufacturer serial number 67991 and line number 8563.
It is powered by two CFM International engines and is configured in a two class layout with sixteen seats in the forward cabin and one hundred and fifty six in economy.
The aircraft was ferried from Boeing Field to Dallas Fort Worth on 15 May 2023 before entering service with American Airlines.
It remains an active airframe with no prior recorded structural incidents.
The aircraft carries the Mode S code A3C662 and fleet number 3SX. It was delivered under a lease arrangement in 2023.
There is no indication that the aircraft had previously sustained damage of this nature.
Investigation Underway Following Discovery in Miami…
American Airlines has confirmed that the aircraft has been removed from service while the damage is assessed.
The airline is cooperating with authorities in both the United States and Colombia.
The location and pattern of the punctures strongly suggest ballistic impact, although investigators have not yet confirmed the calibre or trajectory.
Colombian aviation authorities are expected to review airport perimeter security and approach paths at Medellin.
The aircraft departed José María Córdova International Airport without any reported ground incidents.
Whether the damage occurred on the ground or during the climb out remains a central question for investigators.
The Federal Aviation Administration and law enforcement agencies in the United States are also involved.
The aircraft will undergo a detailed structural inspection to determine whether repairs are required and whether the damage affected any critical systems.
Wider Implications
Although incidents involving suspected gunfire on commercial aircraft are rare, they highlight the importance of robust airport perimeter security in regions where criminal activity near airport boundaries is a known risk.
Medellin has made significant improvements in aviation security in recent years, but isolated incidents near airport property have been reported in the past.
For American Airlines, the focus now is on understanding how the damage occurred and ensuring that no similar risks exist on other routes.
The airline has not indicated when N342SX will return to service.
This incident underscores the unpredictable challenges airlines face when operating in complex environments.
As investigations continue, both American and Colombian authorities will be under pressure to provide clarity on how a modern airliner completed an international flight with undetected ballistic damage.
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