Delta Flight Struck by Firework Mortar on Descent to Chicago Midway

A Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta was struck by a firework mortar at roughly 200 feet while on descent into Chicago Midway International Airport on July 4. The aircraft departed Atlanta at 7:36 p.m. ET and touched down at 8:38 p.m. CT. The pilot reported the strike to air traffic control and described hearing a loud bang on board.

Delta stated the flight landed without incident and taxied normally to the gate. The airline removed the aircraft from regular service for inspection once it reached the terminal. Air traffic control audio captured the pilot saying the plane had been hit by a firework.

Controllers noted multiple fireworks reports in the area that evening. >"Delta flight 1076 from Atlanta (ATL) to Chicago (MDW) reportedly made contact with a firework while on descent.

A Delta spokesperson told Newsweek there were no reported injuries among passengers or crew. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is investigating the incident. The event occurred during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as airports handled heavy Fourth of July traffic and communities conducted fireworks displays.

Air traffic controllers had received multiple reports of fireworks near the airport that night. Federal guidance from OSHA recommends that fireworks displays near airports coordinate with aviation authorities and issue NOTAMs when necessary to alert pilots of potential hazards.