An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 diverted to Belize on November 26, 2023, after smoke was reported in the cabin during a flight from Miami to El Salvador. The aircraft, operating as flight AA327, encountered unusual odors and vibrations, prompting the crew to shut down one of the engines before safely landing in Belize City. Emergency services were on standby upon arrival but were ultimately not required.
Technical Issues Trigger Diversion
The aircraft involved, registered as N951AA, departed from Miami at approximately 10:35 local time, with a scheduled arrival in El Salvador at 12:20. At around 11:49, while flying at an altitude of 31,000 feet, the crew reported technical difficulties. When the plane was approximately 160 nautical miles east of Belize City, the pilots decided to shut down the right engine, descend to 29,000 feet, and divert to Belize.
Upon landing, emergency teams, including fire and rescue units, were deployed as a precautionary measure. American Airlines confirmed that there were 177 passengers and crew on board. Arrangements were made for the passengers to continue their journey on another Boeing 737-800, registered as N876NN, which arrived in El Salvador at roughly 20:28 local time.
Authorities are currently investigating a potential engine malfunction, while N951AA remains grounded at Philip Goldson International Airport pending further inspections.
Aircraft History and Significance
According to data from ch-aviation, American Airlines operates a fleet of approximately 303 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The aircraft involved in the diversion, N951AA, is among the oldest in the fleet, having been delivered in December 2000. It has primarily served short- and medium-haul routes from Miami, including destinations such as San Antonio, Punta Cana, Oranjestad, and Montego Bay.
Notably, this aircraft features the “Astrojet” retro livery, which pays homage to one of American Airlines’ mid-20th-century paint schemes. The airline maintains several retro-painted aircraft to celebrate its merger history, which includes significant mergers with US Airways in 2013, AirCal, TWA, Reno Air, and PSA.
American Airlines is also preparing for its 100th anniversary in 2026. Recently, it introduced a new retro-style livery on a Boeing 777-300ER, registered as N735AT, featuring a modern rendition of one of its earliest designs. The return of this iconic livery highlights the airline’s commitment to its storied history while looking forward to the future.
As investigations into the engine issues continue, American Airlines is focused on ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its passengers.
