A Delta Air Lines flight was struck by a fireworks mortar while descending into Chicago Midway International Airport on the Fourth of July, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Delta Flight 1076 landed safely at Midway around 8:30 p.m. local time Saturday after the crew reported that a fireworks mortar struck the aircraft shortly before landing, the FAA said in a statement. The incident has prompted an investigation by federal authorities.
The flight departed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta at 7:51 p.m. ET and landed at Midway at 8:33 p.m. CT, a spokesperson for Delta Air Lines confirmed. The Airbus A319 was carrying 52 passengers and six crew members. No injuries were reported, Delta said. The crew did not declare an emergency, and the aircraft landed without incident, according to the airline.
Delta said mechanics inspected the aircraft after it arrived at the gate and found no damage. However, Chicago police told CBS Chicago that the firework caused minor paint damage to the aircraft and that the plane was undergoing additional inspections to determine whether it sustained further damage. The conflicting accounts highlight the ongoing assessment of the incident.
The FAA said it will investigate the incident, which occurred during one of the busiest fireworks celebrations of the year. It remains unclear where the fireworks were launched from or whether authorities have identified those responsible. The Chicago Department of Aviation and the Chicago Police Department have been contacted for additional information, and Delta said it will fully cooperate with the FAA and other authorities as they review what happened.
Fireworks-related incidents involving aircraft are rare but not unprecedented. The FAA has regulations prohibiting the discharge of fireworks near airports, and such incidents can pose serious safety risks. In this case, the quick response of the flight crew and the lack of damage to critical systems allowed the aircraft to land safely without further complications.
The Fourth of July holiday typically sees a surge in fireworks use across the United States, and authorities often remind the public to follow safety guidelines. The incident at Midway underscores the potential dangers of fireworks near aviation corridors. The FAA’s investigation will focus on determining the origin of the mortar and whether any laws were violated.
Delta Air Lines emphasized that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority. The airline has not reported any disruptions to its operations at Midway as a result of the incident. Passengers on Flight 1076 were able to deplane normally after the aircraft taxied to the gate.
As the investigation continues, aviation safety experts are likely to examine whether additional measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future. The FAA has not provided a timeline for the completion of its investigation, but such reviews typically involve interviews with crew members, analysis of flight data, and coordination with local law enforcement.
