Chicago, United States: A Delta Air Lines flight carrying 58 people landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport after the crew reported that the aircraft appeared to have been struck by a firework while on final approach during Independence Day celebrations on July 4.
Delta Flight 1076, an Airbus A319 operating from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Chicago Midway, was carrying 52 passengers and six crew members when the incident occurred shortly before landing at around 8:30 p.m. local time.
According to air traffic control communications, the flight crew reported hearing what they described as a “big bang” while the aircraft was descending through approximately 200 to 250 feet above ground level. The pilots initially believed the noise may have been caused by a firework mortar exploding beneath the aircraft before advising controllers that the aircraft appeared to have been struck by a firework.
The incident unfolded as Fourth of July fireworks displays were taking place across Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods. Air traffic controllers informed the Delta crew that several reports had been received of fireworks being launched from residential areas directly beneath the aircraft’s approach path to Midway Airport. Controllers added that city authorities had already been notified about the activity.
Despite the unexpected impact, the crew continued the approach and landed the aircraft safely without declaring an emergency. The Airbus taxied normally to the gate, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Delta Air Lines later confirmed that maintenance technicians inspected the aircraft after arrival. The airline said no structural damage was found during the initial inspection.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident to determine exactly what occurred and whether the aircraft was directly struck by a firework or affected by an exploding pyrotechnic device during its approach.
Air traffic control audio also indicated that the Delta crew was not the only flight to report concerns, with controllers stating they had received multiple reports involving fireworks near aircraft operating into Chicago Midway that evening.
Although the Delta aircraft landed safely and no damage or injuries were reported, the FAA’s investigation is expected to examine the proximity of fireworks activity to the airport’s flight paths and whether any safety violations occurred.
