Delta Flight Struck by Firework During Landing in Chicago
On Saturday night, Delta Air Lines flight 1076, an Airbus A319 carrying 52 passengers and six crew, struck a firework as it descended toward Midway International Airport in Chicago. The incident, which occurred at roughly 20:30 local time, was reported by the pilot and recorded by air‑traffic control.
“We just had a firework hit our plane,” the pilot told air‑traffic control, describing the impact as a “big bang” at about 200 feet (61 meters) above ground. Despite the unexpected contact, the aircraft landed safely and taxied to its gate, with no injuries reported among passengers or crew.
A Delta spokesperson confirmed that the flight had no mechanical damage and that the airplane was inspected on the ground after landing. The airline said only minor paint damage was observed.
The event coincided with the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations, which include fireworks displays across the country. Officials in Chicago alerted the police that fireworks were being launched from homes near the approach path, and the Federal Aviation Administration noted the incident happened during the mid‑night celebration at the national mall.
Chicago Police Department identified the object as an unknown projectile that caused only minor damage. No casualties or significant damage to the aircraft were reported, and aviation authorities are investigating the source of the fireworks and potential safety implications for future flights.
