A Delta Air Lines pilot reported that a firework may have struck the aircraft while descending into Chicago Midway International Airport on the Fourth of July, according to air traffic control audio and statements from the airline.
how the incident unfolded
The crew of Delta flight 1076 radioed air traffic control while approaching the runway, roughly 200 feet above ground, according to audio shared publicly online. The pilot described feeling a large impact and expressed hope that the object was a small firework mortar rather than something more serious.
Several key details have emerged about how the situation developed.
- Air traffic controllers confirmed they had received multiple separate reports of fireworks near the airport around the same time.
- Controllers notified Chicago police shortly after the pilot’s radio call.
- The Chicago Police Department confirmed a plane had been struck by an unknown object, resulting in minor paint damage.
- Delta confirmed the aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate without further incident.
inspection finds no damage
Following the landing, Delta mechanics inspected the aircraft and found no structural damage as a result of the reported strike. The airline emphasized that the flight completed its landing safely and continued normal operations at the gate afterward.
faa opens an investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it will investigate the incident, though the agency deferred additional details to local authorities and Delta directly. Investigations of this nature typically examine flight data, radio communications and physical evidence from the aircraft to determine exactly what object may have struck the plane during its descent.
why fireworks near airports raise safety concerns
Incidents involving fireworks near active airspace, particularly around busy holidays like the Fourth of July, are not entirely uncommon, though they remain a serious safety concern for pilots and air traffic controllers. Aircraft descending toward a runway typically fly at low altitudes during final approach, placing them within range of fireworks launched from nearby neighborhoods or private displays.
Even minor debris or pyrotechnic material striking an aircraft can pose safety risks, particularly to sensitive components like engines, sensors or exterior surfaces, making thorough post flight inspections a standard precaution regardless of how minor the visible damage may initially appear.
The FAA’s investigation is expected to determine what type of object struck the aircraft and whether any additional safety measures should be considered near the airport during future holiday celebrations. Delta has not indicated whether the incident will affect flight operations or scheduling at Midway going forward, and Chicago police have not announced whether anyone will face charges related to the fireworks activity near the airport.
This story was originally reported by USA Today.