A commercial airliner carrying 58 people was struck by an aerial firework on Saturday night while descending toward Chicago Midway International Airport, federal officials and the airline confirmed.
The incident involved Delta Air Lines flight 1076, an Airbus A319 arriving from an undisclosed location.
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The aircraft was navigating its final approach at an altitude of 200 to 250 feet when the impact occurred around 8:30 p.
m. local time on July 4, 2026.
According to audio recordings of the flight transmission, the pilot reported hearing a loud noise during the descent.
"A big bang," stated the pilot of Delta flight 1076.
The flight crew noted that they observed pyrotechnics in the residential areas underlying their flight path just before the impact.
"Was just a mortar that went off," explained the pilot, referring to the launching tube used for aerial displays.
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Air Traffic Control Warnings
Prior to the encounter, air traffic control personnel had alerted the incoming aircraft regarding extensive localized celebrations in the neighborhood.
"Multiple homes near the approach shooting off fireworks," warned the air traffic controller.
Following the warning, the tower operations indicated that the hazard was affecting several flights in the airspace.
"Multiple reports," stated the air traffic controller, adding that Chicago city officials had been notified of the situation.
Delta Air Lines reported that the plane landed safely without further incident. An immediate inspection conducted by mechanics on Sunday revealed no physical damage to the airframe.
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No injuries were reported among the 52 passengers and six crew members. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an official investigation into the matter.
