Overview
- The Airbus A319 operating Delta Flight 1076 reported a loud bang about 200–250 feet above the ground as it descended into Midway on July 4 and the crew told the tower “we just had a firework hit our plane.”
- The flight landed safely with no injuries and about 52 passengers and six crew on board, then taxied to the gate and was withdrawn for a mechanic inspection.
- Authorities have issued conflicting assessments after the inspection, with Chicago police saying an unknown object caused minor paint damage and Delta mechanics reporting no damage found.
- Air traffic control had warned the crew that multiple nearby homes were shooting off fireworks and controllers told other arriving flights about the reports as city police were notified.
- Fireworks can reach heights that intersect low urban approaches and the FAA investigation could lead to enforcement actions or new guidance for holiday displays near airport approach corridors.