Overview
- Delta Flight 1076 reported a loud explosion about 60–75 meters above ground while on final approach to Midway, with the crew saying they were struck by a firework-like object on July 4.
- The Airbus A319 landed safely with 52 passengers and six crew aboard, there were no injuries, technicians found only light paint damage, and the plane was returned to service.
- Air traffic controllers had warned the crew that rockets were being launched from homes under the approach path and controllers logged multiple similar reports that evening.
- Chicago police described the impact as caused by an "unknown flying object" and the FAA has opened a probe to establish the exact cause and whether safety rules were broken.
- Midway sits inside dense neighborhoods where consumer rockets can reach aircraft altitudes, and officials say the incident could prompt enforcement, public-safety guidance, or local limits on fireworks.