Delta Flight Lands Safely After Suspected Firework Strike During Chicago Fourth of July Approach

A Delta Air Lines passenger plane landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport after it was apparently struck by a firework while descending to the runway during Fourth of July celebrations on Saturday night.

According to the information available, the incident involved Delta Flight 1076 as it was approaching Chicago Midway International Airport for landing. During the final stage of the descent, the flight crew reported hearing what the pilot described as “a big bang.” The aircraft was flying at an altitude of about 200 to 250 feet when the loud impact was felt.

Based on air traffic control communications, the pilot told controllers that the crew hoped the sound came from a firework mortar rather than a direct impact causing damage to the aircraft. Mortars are launch tubes commonly used to send aerial fireworks into the sky before they explode.

Before the aircraft reached the airport, air traffic control had already warned the flight crew that several homes located near the landing approach were actively setting off fireworks. The warning came as Independence Day celebrations continued across the area.

Despite the unexpected incident, the Airbus A319 completed its landing safely at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time. There were 52 passengers and six crew members on board the flight. Delta Air Lines confirmed that no injuries were reported among anyone on the aircraft.

After the plane arrived, maintenance personnel carried out an inspection the following day. According to the available information, mechanics found no visible damage to the aircraft after examining it.

The incident has drawn the attention of federal aviation authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation to determine exactly what happened during the aircraft’s approach and whether a firework made contact with the plane.

Air traffic control recordings also indicated that officials had received multiple reports involving fireworks near arriving aircraft during the holiday period. Controllers noted that city officials were aware of the situation as they monitored aircraft approaching the airport.

At this stage, authorities have not confirmed whether any other aircraft were struck by fireworks during the Fourth of July celebrations. The ongoing FAA investigation is expected to review the circumstances surrounding the reported impact and assess all available evidence.

Although the flight ended without injuries or aircraft damage, the incident highlights the potential risks that unauthorized fireworks near airport flight paths can create during busy holiday celebrations. Federal investigators will continue reviewing the event as part of the official investigation.

Sources

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Delta Air Lines
• Associated Press (AP)
• ABC 7 Chicago (WLS-TV)