Delta Plane Hit by Firework, Safely Lands in Chicago

Sun Sep 06 2026 14:17:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Delta Air Lines flight was struck by fireworks during descent into Chicago but landed safely with no injuries.

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A319, carrying 52 passengers and six crew, was hit by a firework as it descended for landing at Chicago’s Midway International Airport. The aircraft, Delta 1076, departed Atlanta at 19:51 ET and touched down at 20:33 ET. Air traffic control and the pilot reported a small impact at about 200 ft, describing a "big bang," but the plane suffered only minor paint damage and no injuries. The FAA confirmed the incident around 20:30 ET, and the plane was inspected on the ground with no structural damage found. The fireworks were part of the 250th‑anniversary Independence celebrations, and the incident highlights the need for stricter controls on private displays near airports.

Delta Plane Hit by Firework, Safely Lands in Chicago

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 carrying 52 passengers and six crew members was struck by a firework while descending to land at Chicago’s Midway International Airport on Saturday night.

The flight, designated Delta 1076, departed Atlanta’s Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport at 19:51 EDT (00:51 BST) and arrived in Chicago at 20:33 CDT (02:33 BST).

Air traffic control reported a small impact at about 200 ft (61 m). The pilot heard a “big bang” but the aircraft sustained only minor paint damage, with no injuries reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the event occurred around 20:30 CDT. Ground crews inspected the Airbus and found no structural damage.

The fireworks were part of celebrations for the United States’ 250th‑anniversary of independence. Private displays near the airport prompted the airline to issue caution to its crew.

Chicago Police noted the object was unknown and not identified as a bomb; flights at the airport were clear following the incident. The event underscores the need for tighter control of fireworks near aviation facilities.