On November 26, 2023, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800, operating flight AA327 from Miami to El Salvador, experienced a technical emergency that led to an unscheduled diversion to Belize City. The crew detected smoke in the rear cabin, prompting immediate action. They first noticed a strange odor accompanied by light vibrations, which led to the shutdown of one engine before diverting to Belize.
The aircraft, with registration number N951AA, landed safely at Philip Goldson International Airport, where emergency services were on standby. Although emergency teams—including fire, rescue, and ambulance units—were mobilized, their services were ultimately not required. All 177 passengers and crew aboard were unharmed, and American Airlines confirmed that alternative travel arrangements were swiftly made for the passengers.
Details of the Incident
The flight departed Miami at approximately 10:35 local time and was scheduled to reach El Salvador by 12:20. Around 11:49, while cruising at an altitude of 31,000 feet, the crew reported technical issues approximately 160 nautical miles east of Belize City. Following the engine shutdown, the pilots descended to 29,000 feet and initiated the diversion.
Upon arrival, the aircraft was grounded for inspection. Authorities are investigating the cause of the smoke, focusing particularly on the possibility of an engine malfunction. The aircraft has not been in operation since its diversion, remaining at the airport while thorough examinations are conducted.
Age and Service History of the Aircraft
The aircraft involved in this incident, N951AA, is one of the oldest Boeing 737-800s in the American Airlines fleet. According to data from ch-aviation, American Airlines operates around 303 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This particular plane was delivered in December 2000 and has primarily serviced short- and medium-haul routes from Miami, including destinations such as San Antonio, Punta Cana, Oranjestad, and Montego Bay.
Notably, this aircraft is adorned with the “Astrojet” retro livery, a design that commemorates one of American Airlines’ mid-20th-century paint schemes. American Airlines maintains a number of retro-painted aircraft, reflecting its history of mergers, including the notable acquisition of US Airways in 2013. Other retro liveries in its fleet pay homage to earlier airlines such as TWA, Reno Air, and PSA.
As American Airlines prepares for its upcoming 100th anniversary in 2026, it has also introduced a new retro-style livery on a Boeing 777-300ER, registered N735AT, which entered service recently. This initiative aims to celebrate the airline’s rich history and heritage while connecting past identities with its modern operations.
The investigation into the incident continues, with further updates expected as authorities work to determine the precise cause of the technical issue that prompted the diversion.
