Summary (tl;dr)

A Delta Air Lines flight arriving at Chicago Midway International Airport on July 4th was reportedly struck by a firework mortar during its descent, prompting a federal investigation into the incident. The plane landed safely with no reported injuries, and initial inspections found no major damage.

Essential Background

The incident occurred during the annual Fourth of July celebrations, a time when fireworks are widely used across the United States. Air traffic controllers had noted "multiple reports" of fireworks in the area around Chicago Midway International Airport on the evening of the incident.

The Full Story

On Saturday, July 4th, Delta Air Lines Flight 1076, an Airbus A319 carrying 52 passengers and six crew members from Atlanta, was descending towards Chicago Midway International Airport when the pilot reported feeling a "big bang" at an altitude of approximately 200 to 250 feet. The pilot informed air traffic control, stating, "We just had a firework hit our plane." Despite the impact, the aircraft landed safely around 8:30 p.m. local time, and no injuries to passengers or crew were reported. Delta mechanics inspected the aircraft and initially found no structural damage, though one report mentioned minor paint damage. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since launched an investigation into the reported firework strike.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights potential aviation safety concerns posed by fireworks, especially when launched in close proximity to airport flight paths. The Federal Aviation Administration's investigation underscores the seriousness of such occurrences, aiming to understand the circumstances and prevent future incidents that could endanger commercial aircraft and their occupants.

Geographic Location

• Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States (where Delta Flight 1076 was reportedly struck by a firework and landed)
• Area near 63rd and Central Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States (where residents were reportedly launching fireworks)