Article content
An American Airlines jet has been grounded after bullet holes were discovered on its wing after making a round trip between Miami and Colombia.
Article content
The jet landed at Medellin’s Jose Maria Cordova International Airport on Sunday and stayed overnight before making the return three-hour flight over the Caribbean Sea to Florida.
Inspection revealed holes
After landing in Miami the next day, the report said an inspection by technicians revealed holes in the jet’s right aileron, which is responsible for lateral balance.
There were no flight-related delays, issues or injuries, 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,” the company said in a statement to the New York Post.
Article content
The jet was eventually transferred to the airline’s maintenance hub at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, AirLive reported.
Damage fixed in Colombia
However, CBS News reported the damage was actually observed by the ground crew in Medellin. Repairs were made there before the jet took off for the return trip.
“Following a routine inspection, our teams identified a puncture to the exterior of one of our aircraft in Medellin, Colombia,” American Airlines said in a statement to CBS News.
“The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair. We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident.”
A source told the outlet that the damage was consistent with a bullet strike, which left a hole on one side of the aileron and an exit point on the other side.
Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority told CBS that it wasn’t aware of the incident and said it would launch an investigation.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
Share this article in your social network
Discussion about this post