On November 26, 2023, an American Airlines flight operating a Boeing 737-800 diverted to Belize City after smoke was reported in the rear of the cabin. The aircraft, designated as flight AA327, was en route from Miami to El Salvador when the crew detected an unusual odor and experienced light vibrations. Following these indications, they shut down one of the engines and initiated a diversion to Belize, landing safely without incident.
Emergency services were on standby upon arrival, although they were ultimately not required. The aircraft, with registration number N951AA, is one of the oldest Boeing 737-800s in the American Airlines fleet and has not resumed operations since the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the reported smoke.
Technical Issues Prompt Diversion
The flight departed Miami at approximately 10:35 local time and was scheduled to reach El Salvador by 12:20. According to Flightradar24 data, around 11:49, while cruising at an altitude of 31,000 feet, the crew encountered technical issues. When the aircraft was about 160 nautical miles east of Belize City, the pilots made the decision to shut down the right engine, descend to 29,000 feet, and divert to Belize.
American Airlines confirmed that there were 177 passengers and crew on board. To ensure the travelers reached their destination, the airline arranged for them to continue their journey on another Boeing 737-800, registered as N876NN, which arrived in El Salvador at approximately 20:28 local time.
The incident has raised concerns about a potential engine malfunction, and as inspections continue, N951AA remains grounded at Philip Goldson International Airport.
Historical Context of the Aircraft
The Boeing 737-800 involved in the incident has a notable history within American Airlines. According to ch-aviation data, it was delivered in December 2000 and has been operating various short- and medium-haul routes from Miami, including destinations such as San Antonio, Punta Cana, Oranjestad, and Montego Bay. Notably, the aircraft features the “Astrojet” retro livery, which pays homage to one of the airline’s mid-20th-century paint schemes.
American Airlines has a fleet of approximately 303 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and the retro designs reflect the airline’s rich history, stemming from several mergers including its notable integration with US Airways in 2013. Other retro-themed aircraft include those inspired by TWA, Reno Air, AirCal, and PSA, showcasing the airline’s lineage and heritage.
As the company approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, American Airlines is also revamping its fleet with updated retro liveries. Last month, the airline introduced a new retro-style livery on a Boeing 777-300ER, registered as N735AT, which entered service this month, featuring a modern interpretation of one of its earliest designs.
The recent diversion incident underscores the importance of aviation safety and the rigorous protocols in place to ensure passenger security during flights. As investigations continue, American Airlines remains committed to addressing any technical issues that arise, maintaining its focus on the safety and well-being of its passengers.
