A Delta Air Lines flight carrying 52 passengers and six crew members reportedly made contact with a firework while preparing to land at Chicago's Midway International Airport on the evening of July 5, 2026. The flight, Delta 1076, had departed from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport at 19:51 EDT and landed safely at 20:33 CDT.
Air traffic controllers had warned the flight crew about multiple homes near the approach end of the runway where fireworks were being set off. A recording of the incident captures the pilot reporting the firework strike occurred at approximately 200 feet (61 meters) altitude.
Despite the unexpected impact, the Airbus A319 aircraft was inspected after landing and no damage was found. There were no injuries among passengers or crew, and the incident was reported to aviation authorities. The event coincided with the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations, during which millions across the country launched fireworks.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the incident took place around 20:30 CDT, according to CBS News, the BBC's US partner.
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