Aircraft Takes Gunfire Near Cockpit, Passengers Deplaned With No Injury

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 was struck by gunfire while preparing to depart from Dallas Love Field (DAL) on November 15. Local police are investigating the incident and no injuries have been reported.

Around 10:00 pm, Southwest Flight 2494 was getting ready to take off when “a bullet apparently struck the right side of the aircraft under the flight deck,” reported a Southwest representative. The Dallas Police Department responded to a shooting call shortly after.

The flight returned to the gate and safely deplaned its 99 passengers. The runway was temporarily closed to allow police investigation and has now reopened for use.

Southwest confirmed that those on board during the incident were placed on a new flight. Local law enforcement and the FAA have both been notified, and the aircraft was immediately grounded.

Though the aircraft sustained minor damage near the cockpit, no injuries were reported. The nature of the incident has not been confirmed, but police believe it was caused by random gunfire. No suspects have been identified.

This follows just after three back-to-back-to-back aircraft shootings in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. A Spirit Airlines flight was shot during its final approach, forcing it to circle and divert to another nearby airport. Shortly after, flights from JetBlue and American Airlines reported finding bullet holes on their aircraft.

The FAA has suspended all flights in and out of Haiti, excluding government operations, for the next month due to increasing gang violence.

“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” explained a statement from Port-au-Prince’s US Embassy. “Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel. You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti.”

FMI: www.southwest.com