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American Airlines Flight Struck by Bullet While Landing in Medellín
Colombian authorities have launched an investigation after an American Airlines flight traveling from Medellín, Colombia, to Miami was found to have bullet holes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Preliminary findings by Colombian officials suggest the aircraft was struck on Sunday while landing in Medellín. American Airlines confirmed that during a routine inspection upon the plane’s return to Miami, their teams “identified a puncture” to the exterior.
The airline promptly removed the aircraft from service for thorough inspection and repair. In a statement, American Airlines affirmed its commitment to working closely with all relevant authorities to investigate the incident.
Authorities are currently focusing their investigation on a criminal group, though no definitive conclusions have been reached. Flightradar24 data indicates the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft flew from Medellín to Miami on Monday morning, then continued to Dallas later that evening.
The plane was subsequently sent to Dallas-Fort Worth, the headquarters for American Airlines, for comprehensive repairs. American Airlines stated that the puncture did not compromise the aircraft’s ability to fly safely.
News of this incident first emerged on social media, shared by aviation account JonNYC.