An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 was taken out of service after ground crews found what investigators believe were ballistic-impact punctures in a key flight-control area following a Miami–Medellín–Miami rotation.
According to reporting reviewed by CBS News, the damage was discovered after the aircraft operated flight AA923 from Miami to Medellín on 22 February 2026, where maintenance personnel observed a puncture that “extends all the way through” the right-hand aileron, with a small, round apparent entry hole and damage consistent with an exit point on the opposite side. American said the jet had no issues related to flight and no injuries were reported.
ABC News reported that Colombian officials’ preliminary assessment indicated the aircraft may have been struck while landing in Medellín. Authorities are investigating, focusing on a possible involvement by a criminal group, though nothing had been confirmed at the time of publication.
American Airlines announced that the aircraft was immediately taken out of service for inspection and repairs. Flight tracking data, referenced by multiple outlets, shows the jet returned to Miami on 23 February and was later moved to Dallas/Fort Worth for more extensive maintenance. It has not resumed its normal service since.
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