A Delta Air Lines flight safely landed in Chicago after reportedly being struck by a firework while descending toward the airport on the Fourth of July.
Delta Flight 1076 was traveling from Atlanta to Chicago Midway International Airport when the incident occurred during its final approach, according to the airline.
Crew Reports ‘Big Bang’
Air traffic control recordings reveal the flight crew reported both hearing and feeling a loud impact as the aircraft descended.
“We’re just hoping it was just the mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt the big bang,” a crew member told air traffic controllers.
The aircraft involved was an Airbus A319.
Safe Landing Despite the Impact
Despite the unexpected strike, the flight continued its approach without further incident.
Delta confirmed the aircraft landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport before taxiing normally to its arrival gate.
No injuries have been reported among the passengers or crew.
Investigation Underway
Delta said the aircraft “reportedly made contact with a firework” during its descent and confirmed the incident is currently under review.
It remains unclear where the firework was launched from or whether it accidentally reached the aircraft’s flight path.
Chicago police have not yet publicly commented on the incident.
The unusual event occurred during Independence Day celebrations, when fireworks displays take place across the United States, though aviation experts note that aircraft are designed to withstand a variety of impacts and pilots are trained to respond to unexpected situations during flight.
