In brief
Delta flight 1076 from Atlanta was struck by a firework at about 200 ft during its descent into Chicago on Saturday night. The aircraft landed safely and the crew reported no injuries. Airlines officials confirmed only minor paint damage, and the FAA confirmed the incident occurred around 20:30 CDT. Air traffic controllers had warned of fireworks in the area as the city celebrated its 250th anniversary, while the Chicago Police investigated the unknown object that hit the plane.
Delta Flight 1076 had 52 passengers and six crew aboard when it was hit by a firework while preparing to land at Chicago’s Midway International Airport on Saturday night.
The incident was reported to aviation authorities, but the airplane landed safely with no injuries. The FAA said the event took place around 20:30 CDT and the airline later confirmed the plane only sustained minor paint damage.
Air traffic control had warned pilots of fireworks being set off near the airport, as millions across the United States celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary with fireworks displays.
A pilot’s radio call captured the moment, saying, "We just had a firework hit our plane. We're just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath but definitely felt a big bang."
Chicago police investigated the unknown object described by the FAA, and the federal aviation agency confirmed the plane’s post‑landing inspection found no damage beyond the paint scuffs.
This incident highlights the risks of unsupervised fireworks around airports, especially during large public celebrations that feature unofficial launching sites.
