A Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 was struck by a firework while on final approach to Chicago Midway International Airport on July 4, as millions of Americans celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Flight DL1076 had departed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 7:51 p.m. EDT and was approaching Midway when the crew reported a loud impact beneath the aircraft at an altitude of about 200 feet.
“We just had a firework hit our plane,” one of the pilots told air traffic control. “Definitely felt a big bang.”
Air traffic controllers had already warned arriving crews that residents near the approach path were setting off fireworks. Radio communications indicate controllers had received multiple reports of the activity and said Chicago authorities had been notified.
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July 04, 2026
The aircraft continued its approach, landed safely at about 8:33 p.m. local time and taxied to the gate without further incident. Delta said the A319 was carrying 52 passengers and six crew members.
The airline said the aircraft underwent an inspection after landing and no structural damage was found. Chicago police later said the airplane had sustained minor paint damage after being struck by an unidentified object.
No injuries were reported.
The incident occurred during the annual Independence Day celebrations, when both large public displays and privately launched fireworks are common across the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and is expected to investigate the event.
