'Definitely Felt a Big Bang': Delta Air Lines Plane Struck by Firework on Approach to Chicago During US 250th Anniversary Celebrations
LTT Media News Desk — 6 July 2026
A Delta Air Lines flight carrying 52 passengers and six crew members was struck by a firework as it prepared to land at Chicago's Midway International Airport on Saturday night, amid massive nationwide celebrations for America's 250th anniversary of independence.
The flight — Delta 1076 from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport — "reportedly made contact with a firework while on descent," an airline spokesperson confirmed. The aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate with no injuries to anyone on board.
'Definitely Felt a Big Bang'
Audio recordings of the incident capture the moment the crew alerted air traffic control.
"We just had a firework hit our plane," the pilot reported. "We're just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath but definitely felt a big bang."
The strike occurred at approximately 200 feet (61 metres) during final approach.
Air traffic controllers had earlier warned crews of the danger, stating: "Use caution, there are multiple homes near the approach end shooting off fireworks... There have been multiple reports as you can imagine. The city is aware. They said they would notify the Chicago police."
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident occurred around 20:30 CDT. The Chicago Police Department told reporters the aircraft "was struck by an unknown object" and sustained "minor paint damage."
The Airbus A319 was inspected after landing with no structural damage found, according to Delta.
Nationwide Celebrations
The incident came as millions across the United States marked Independence Day and the nation's 250th anniversary with fireworks displays. In Washington DC, a 40-minute fireworks show was staged at the National Mall, while flights at nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were suspended to accommodate military flyovers and the pyrotechnic display.
Private and unsupervised fireworks are commonplace across the US during the July 4th period, and aviation authorities regularly issue warnings about the risks posed to aircraft during approach and takeoff.
LTT Media Verdict
While this incident ended without injury thanks to the professionalism of the flight crew, it raises serious questions about the proximity of private fireworks displays to active flightpaths — particularly during major national celebrations when airport authorities know the risks are heightened. The fact that air traffic control had already issued warnings about fireworks near the approach suggests this was a preventable near-miss rather than a freak occurrence. Expect the FAA to review firework exclusion zones around airports ahead of future national holidays.
LTT Media — Truth Without Borders