American 737 MAX Returns After Bullet Damage
An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 operated a scheduled passenger flight after mechanics in Colombia patched apparent bullet damage discovered on one of its flight control surfaces.
The damage was identified during a routine post-arrival inspection in Medellín on February 23, 2026, after the aircraft completed a flight from Miami. According to documents cited by CBS News, maintenance crews found both an entry and exit hole on an aileron near the trailing edge of one wing, indicating the object had passed through the control surface.
Technicians performed a temporary structural repair in Medellín, applying an approved patch to restore the integrity of the affected area. The aircraft then departed the following morning on its scheduled return service to Miami with passengers on board.
After arriving in Miami, American Airlines removed the jet from regular operations and ferried it to Dallas for further inspection and permanent repairs at a maintenance facility.
In a statement, the airline confirmed the incident and said the aircraft was handled in accordance with established safety and maintenance procedures.
“Following a routine inspection, our teams identified a puncture to the exterior of one of our aircraft in Medellín, Colombia,” American Airlines 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.”
The carrier did not specify when or where the damage occurred. It remains unclear whether the aircraft sustained the puncture while on the ground or during flight operations.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is one of the most widely deployed narrowbody aircraft in American Airlines’ fleet. Its ailerons, located on the trailing edges of the wings, are critical components of the flight control system and are routinely inspected during maintenance checks and turnaround procedures.
In cases involving minor structural damage, airlines can perform certified field repairs that allow aircraft to safely operate to a main maintenance base for more extensive work. Such procedures are governed by strict regulatory and manufacturer guidelines to ensure continued airworthiness.
American Airlines said it is cooperating with relevant authorities as the investigation continues, while emphasizing that safety remains its top priority.
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