Delta Flight Struck by Firework During Chicago Landing

A Delta Air Lines aircraft with 52 passengers and six crew members was struck by fireworks while preparing to land at a Chicago airport on Saturday night.

The flight from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Midway International Airport reported contact with a firework during descent, a Delta spokesperson told the BBC.

The aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate, with no injuries reported and the incident logged with aviation authorities.

The aircraft was struck as millions across the U.S. marked the nation’s 250th anniversary with fireworks, part of the customary Independence Day celebrations.

Delta Flight 1076 departed Atlanta at 19:51 EDT (00:51 BST) and touched down in Chicago at 20:33 CDT (02:33 BST).

“We just had a firework hit our plane,” a pilot reported to air traffic control, according to a recording of the incident. The impact was noted at roughly 200 feet (61 meters).

“We’re hoping it was merely a mortar that ignited below but definitely felt a substantial impact,” the pilot added.

Prior to the incident, controllers had warned of fireworks activity.

“Delta 1076… use caution, as multiple residences near the approach end are launching fireworks,” an air traffic control officer advised.

“Multiple reports are expected,” the controller noted on the radio. “The city is aware and indicated they would inform Chicago police, though the exact response remains uncertain.”

The BBC reached out to city officials concerning fireworks launched from nearby homes. The Chicago Police Department informed the BBC that the aircraft “was struck by an unknown object” resulting in “minor paint damage”.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported the incident occurred around 20:30 CDT, per CBS News, the BBC’s U.S. partner.

The Airbus A319 underwent post‑landing inspection and showed no discernible damage, the airline reported.

While major fireworks displays are typically organized by state and local authorities, private and often unsupervised fireworks are also prevalent.

In Washington, D.C., the milestone anniversary featured a 40‑minute fireworks display by the National Park Service on the National Mall.

Flights at nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were suspended from noon on Saturday to accommodate military flyovers and a pyrotechnic show that commenced at midnight local time.

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