Firework Strikes Delta Plane Near Chicago Airport

A Delta Air Lines flight was reportedly struck by a firework while making its final approach to Chicago Midway International Airport during Fourth of July celebrations, prompting a post-flight inspection but resulting in no injuries.

The incident occurred shortly before 8:40 p.m. on Friday as Delta Flight 1076, an Airbus traveling from Atlanta to Chicago, descended toward the runway. According to air traffic control communications, the aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 200 to 250 feet when the flight crew heard what they described as a “loud bang.”

Moments earlier, air traffic controllers had warned the pilots that fireworks were being launched near the airport’s arrival path and advised them to use caution. Shortly afterward, the crew radioed the tower, reporting what they believed was a firework striking the aircraft.

“We’ve just had a firework hit our plane,” one crew member said over the radio. Another added that they hoped it had been a mortar exploding beneath the aircraft but confirmed that the crew had “definitely felt a big bang.” The pilots also informed controllers that the aircraft would need to be inspected after arriving at the gate.

Despite the apparent impact during one of the most critical phases of flight, the crew continued the approach and landed safely at Chicago Midway without declaring an emergency. The aircraft then taxied normally to the gate, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

Delta Air Lines later confirmed that the aircraft had reportedly come into contact with a firework during its descent. As a precaution, the airline removed the aircraft from service so maintenance teams could conduct a comprehensive inspection before it returns to operation.

Chicago Midway is surrounded by densely populated residential neighborhoods, where aircraft routinely fly at low altitudes during landing. On Independence Day, widespread backyard fireworks displays can create additional hazards for aircraft operating in the area.

While commercial airliners are designed to withstand impacts from birds, hail, and severe weather, encounters with fireworks are considered extremely uncommon. Some large aerial fireworks are capable of reaching altitudes of more than 1,000 feet, potentially placing low-flying aircraft at risk during takeoff or landing.

Officials have not determined exactly where the firework originated or whether it exploded beneath the aircraft or made direct physical contact with it. The Federal Aviation Administration has not announced whether it will launch a formal investigation into the incident.