An American Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 was taken out of service after crews discovered a puncture through the aircraft’s right wing. The discovery was made during an inspection, after landing in Medellín, Colombia. Authorities believe the damage to have been caused by gunfire and are presently investigating.
Puncture Discovered in Right Wing
Flight 923 from Miami to Medellín landed safely Saturday night, Feb. 22, 2026. During a routine inspection, ground crews discovered a puncture that appeared suspiciously consistent with a bullet strike. Reports state the damage passed through the right aileron, a hinged control surface that helps an aircraft roll and turn.
According to inspectors, the puncture showed a circular entry point with a matching exit hole on the other side.
Despite the debacle, American Airlines said the jet experienced no issues during the flight and further stated no injuries were reported. In a statement, the airline said:
“The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair. We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident.”
Temporary repairs were completed overnight as the aircraft returned to Miami before later flying to Dallas once again. The plane has not operated on any commercial flights since.
The Investigation Ensues
Importantly, the Civil Aeronautics Authority of Colombia (Aerocivil) said it was aware of reports regarding perforations on the aircraft but had not been formally contacted by the airline or U.S. authorities.
While for the most part, cases of gunfire affecting commercial aircraft are rare, aviation authorities have previously documented a few instances. Notably, in 2024, a bullet struck a Southwest Airlines plane as the pilot prepared the aircraft for takeoff. Although no one was injured, incidents like this can be unsettling for those on board.
Nevertheless, the cause and timing of the damage remain under investigation.
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