Delta Jet Struck by Firework While Landing at Chicago Midway on Fourth of July

Passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight experienced a startling moment on Independence Day when their aircraft was struck by what pilots believed to be a firework during its final approach to Chicago Midway International Airport. The incident occurred on the evening of July 4 as Delta Flight 1076 traveled from Atlanta to Chicago. As the Airbus A319 descended toward the runway, the flight crew reported hearing a loud bang and informed air traffic controllers they believed a firework had struck the aircraft just moments before landing. Despite the impact, the pilots safely landed the aircraft without declaring an emergency. The plane taxied to the gate normally, and all 52 passengers and six crew members exited safely. No injuries were reported.

Pilots Alert Air Traffic Control

According to air traffic control communications, the crew notified controllers shortly before landing that they had experienced an impact consistent with a firework strike while on approach to Midway Airport. The aircraft was only a few hundred feet above the ground during the encounter, making the situation particularly concerning because aircraft have little ability to avoid hazards during the final stages of landing. The flight continued without further incident, and airport operations were not immediately disrupted.

Inspection Finds No Damage

Following the landing, Delta removed the aircraft from service for a detailed inspection. The airline later confirmed that maintenance crews found no structural damage to the Airbus A319 despite the reported strike. The inspection was completed as a precaution before the aircraft returned to service. Delta said the safety of its passengers and crew remains its highest priority and that it is cooperating with authorities.

FAA Investigating the Incident

The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation to determine exactly what struck the aircraft and whether fireworks launched near the airport violated federal safety regulations. Controllers reportedly received additional reports of fireworks in the vicinity of Midway during the holiday evening, raising concerns that aircraft approaching the airport may have encountered similar hazards. Launching fireworks near airports can create dangerous conditions for pilots, particularly during takeoff and landing when aircraft operate at low altitudes and have limited options to maneuver around unexpected obstacles. While direct firework strikes involving commercial airliners are rare, aviation experts have long warned that fireworks fired into flight paths can endanger aircraft, passengers, and people on the ground. The FAA’s investigation is expected to examine where the firework originated and whether additional enforcement or safety measures are needed to prevent similar incidents during future holiday celebrations.