Delta Air Lines Flight 1076, an Airbus A319 carrying 52 passengers and 6 crew, was struck by a firework mortar during its final approach to Chicago Midway International Airport on the evening of July 4. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. local time as the plane descended through about 200 feet altitude amid Fourth of July celebrations in the area [1, 2, 3, 4].
The flight departed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 7:51 p.m. Eastern Time, though some sources report a 7:36 p.m. departure, and arrived safely at Midway between 8:33 and 8:38 p.m. Central Time [1, 2, 4]. The pilot described hearing a "big bang" at low altitude and reported, "We just had a firework hit our plane. We're just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath" [3].
Air traffic controllers had warned the flight crew in advance about multiple fireworks reportedly set off by residents near the approach path. An air traffic control operator cautioned, "Delta 1076... use caution, there are multiple homes near the approach end shooting off fireworks," eliciting a wry reply from another airline pilot onboard: "Welcome to the war zone." [1, 3]
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew following the incident [1, 2, 3, 4]. Delta mechanics inspected the plane after landing and found no damage to the aircraft. However, Chicago police noted minor paint damage and indicated that further inspections were ongoing [1, 3, 4].
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched a formal investigation into the fireworks strike. Authorities are reviewing air traffic, airport security measures, and local fireworks activity near the airport [1, 2, 3, 4].
The investigation is ongoing with no further flight disruptions reported since. The FAA has called on residents to refrain from setting off fireworks near active flight paths especially during busy holiday periods.
