Delta Flight and Firework Reported to Interact Over Chicago

A Delta Air Lines flight encountered a firework while descending above Chicago during the Fourth of July celebrations. The pilot of flight 1076 informed air traffic controllers of the incident shortly before landing at Chicago Midway International Airport on Saturday night.

According to an audio recording released by LiveATC.net, the pilot narrated experiencing “a big bang” on the aircraft. The incident occurred as the plane was at an altitude of 200 to 250 feet. The pilot mentioned that the crew hoped that the sound came from a mortar, referring to the device used to launch fireworks.

Federal Aviation Administration and Delta confirmed that the Airbus A319 safely landed with 52 passengers and six crew members onboard at around 8:30 p.m. local time without injuries. Delta, based in Atlanta, reported no damage upon inspection by mechanics. The FAA plans to investigate the occurrence.

There is uncertainty if other airplanes experienced similar firework interactions on Saturday. In the LiveATC.net audio, an air traffic controller noted “multiple reports” of such incidents, with awareness from Chicago officials.

The FAA did not promptly respond to inquiries about additional firework-related incidents affecting flights. The Associated Press also sought information from the city government and Chicago Police Department.