Delta Flight Hit by Fireworks on Approach to Midway

On Independence Day, a Delta Air Lines flight on approach to Chicago’s Midway Airport when the pilot reported that it had been hit by a firework. Delta flight 1076 left Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport at 7:36 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday and was approaching Midway when the incident happened.

“Tower, we just had a firework hit our plane, Delta 1076, we're continuing,” said the pilot on a recording of air traffic control audio. “We just heard a bang on the plane, so we’ll have to look at it when we get to the gate. We’re just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath but definitely felt a big bang.”

The controller reported to the crew that there had been multiple homes nearby that were shooting off fireworks. The Airbus 319 landed safely without an emergency landing required. It is estimated that the flight was 200-250 feet high at the time of the incident.

“Delta flight 1076 from Atlanta (ATL) to Chicago (MDW) reportedly made contact with a firework while on descent. The flight safely landed and taxied to the gate,” Delta said in a statement. The airline also reported that the plan was taken out of service so it could undergo a full inspection.

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