Delta Flight Struck by Firework During Chicago Landing

WHO:

CNN - Delta Air Lines flight crew of Flight 1076.

CBS News - Chicago police and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Newsweek - Pilot of Delta Flight 1076.

WHAT:

CNN - Delta Flight 1076 was struck by a firework while descending into Chicago Midway International Airport.

CBS News - The pilot reported that a fireworks mortar struck the aircraft during descent.

CBS News - The firework caused minor paint damage to the aircraft.

CNN - The aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate.

CNN - No injuries were reported in the incident.

WHERE:

CNN - Chicago Midway International Airport.

CBS News - The flight was arriving from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

WHEN:

CNN - The incident occurred on Saturday evening, July 4.

CBS News - The FAA stated that the pilot reported the incident around 8:30 p.m. local time.

WHY:

CNN - Multiple reports indicated that fireworks posed potential dangers for departing and arriving flights.

HOW:

CNN - The pilot communicated with air traffic control, expressing hope that the firework was just a mortar that went off underneath the plane.

CBS News - Chicago police were notified about the incident following the pilot's report.

(UPDATED July 5, 2026 17:19 UTC)

Delta Air Lines Flight 1076 was struck by a firework while descending into Chicago Midway International Airport, causing minor paint damage but no injuries. The pilot reported the incident to air traffic control around 8:30 p.m. local time, and Chicago police were notified shortly after. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate, highlighting ongoing concerns about fireworks posing dangers to flights.