The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation after a Delta Air Lines flight was hit by a firework mortar as it approached Chicago's Midway Airport on the Fourth of July, according to officials.
Delta Flight 1076, arriving from Atlanta with 52 passengers and six crew members, was descending for landing around 8:30 p.m. Saturday when the pilot reported a sudden impact. In audio captured by LiveATC.net, the pilot described hearing “a big bang” and speculated that a mortar—the tube used to launch aerial fireworks—had struck the aircraft at an altitude of roughly 200 to 250 feet.
The commercial jetliner touched down safely without further incident, and no injuries were reported. Chicago police later confirmed that the plane sustained only “minor paint damage.”
The incident adds to concerns about holiday safety as millions of Americans celebrate with fireworks displays. In a separate incident on the same day, President Trump hailed the D.C. fireworks as the “best ever” after a weather-delayed 250th anniversary bash, while authorities in other cities faced challenges from heat and security threats.
Air traffic controllers at Midway indicated that there had been “multiple reports” of fireworks striking aircraft on Saturday, according to the LiveATC.net recording. Controllers noted that Chicago city officials had been alerted to the issue, though the FAA has not confirmed any additional incidents.
The FAA declined to answer questions about whether other flights were affected by fireworks-related encounters on July Fourth. The agency is leading the investigation into the Delta strike, which marks a rare but serious midair hazard during holiday celebrations.
Delta issued a statement confirming the aircraft made contact with a firework and praised the crew for maintaining control and landing safely. The airline is cooperating with the FAA probe.
The incident comes amid a broader uptick in airspace hazards during holidays. A recent FAA report showed drone near misses at major airports have spiked, with data revealing a steady rise in sightings, underscoring the challenges of managing airspace during large public events.
Fireworks-related incidents involving aircraft are uncommon but not unheard of. In 2019, a small plane in California was damaged by a firework, and in 2015, a drone struck a commercial jet over New York City. The Delta incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of fireworks safety zones near airports, especially on holidays when private displays are widespread.
As the investigation continues, aviation experts are urging the public to follow local laws and avoid launching fireworks near flight paths. The FAA has not yet released a timeline for its findings.
