Delta jet hit by firework while landing in Chicago on Fourth of July
The flight was able to continue its approach after the impact and landed safely at Midway.
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The flight was able to continue its approach after the impact and landed safely at Midway.
A Delta Air Lines flight was struck by a firework mortar as it came in for landing at Chicago’s Midway International Airport on the Fourth of July, the airline confirmed. The aircraft was approaching the South Side airport when the incident occurred, prompting an immediate report to air traffic control.
“Tower, we just had a firework hit our plane, Delta 1076, we’re continuing,” the flight crew told Air Traffic Control, according to recorded radio traffic, according to the New York Post.
Moments later, the crew described hearing and feeling the impact. “We just heard a bang on the plane … We’re just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt a big bang,” they said.
Delta Flight 1076 had departed Atlanta around 7 pm before heading to Chicago. The airline said the aircraft was struck while descending toward Midway, according to NBC 5 Chicago.
Authorities later said the plane sustained minor paint damage. CBS reported the aircraft is undergoing inspection to determine if there is any additional damage beyond what is visible externally.
The event took place during widespread Fourth of July celebrations across the city, when fireworks activity is typically high in many residential areas near flight paths.
Officials have not said where the firework originated or whether any investigation is underway into the source of the mortar. The flight was able to continue its approach after the impact and landed safely at Midway.
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