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Delta Air Lines Flight 1076 Struck by Firework During Landing at Chicago's Midway International Airport

Published July 5, 2026 at 7:32 PM UTC

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On the evening of July 4, 2026, Delta Air Lines Flight 1076, en route from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Chicago's Midway International Airport, encountered an unexpected and alarming incident during its descent into Chicago. Approximately 8:30 p.m. Central Time, as the Airbus A319 was nearing the runway, the flight crew reported a loud bang, indicating that the aircraft had been struck by a firework. The pilot communicated with air traffic control, stating, "We just had a firework hit our plane, Delta 1076, we're continuing." The crew further noted, "We just heard a bang on the plane, so we'll have to look at it when we get to the gate. We're just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt a big bang." This exchange was captured in air traffic control audio obtained by CNN. Despite the unexpected strike, the aircraft landed safely without incident. Delta Air Lines confirmed that there were 52 passengers and six crew members on board at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. The airline stated that the plane was undergoing an evaluation to assess any potential damage. Chicago police were notified of the incident, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the firework strike. The FAA emphasized the importance of adhering to safety regulations, especially during the Fourth of July celebrations, when the use of fireworks is prevalent. The incident raised concerns about the safety implications of fireworks near flight paths and the potential risks they pose to aviation operations. Delta Air Lines expressed gratitude for the professionalism of the flight crew and the safe landing of the aircraft. The airline also reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and compliance with all aviation regulations. The FAA's investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the source of the firework and to prevent similar incidents in the future. This event underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution during periods of increased fireworks activity, particularly in areas adjacent to airports and flight paths.