Delta Flight Hit by Firework During Chicago Landing on July 4Th
WHO:
BBC - The Delta Airlines plane involved in the incident.
WHAT:
WPTZ - Air traffic control audio revealed that the Delta pilot expressed hope that the firework was just a mortar that went off underneath the plane, stating, “We’re just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt a big bang.”
WPTZ - The air traffic controller warned a subsequent Southwest Airlines flight, saying, “Welcome to the war zone,” to which the Southwest flight crew responded, “That’s reassuring.”
WPTZ - The pilot of Delta Flight 1076 reported, “We just had a firework hit our plane,” during the descent.
WPTZ - The plane was flying at 200 feet in its descent when the incident occurred.
WPTZ - The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the incident.
WPTZ - Delta Air Lines Flight 1076 landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport around 8:30 p.m. local time on July 4.
BBC - The plane had 52 passengers and six crew onboard. No injuries were reported.
NY Post - A firework mortar struck the Delta Airlines plane as it was landing.
BBC - The incident was described as a "big bang" by witnesses on the flight.
WHERE:
NY Post - The incident occurred on the South Side of Chicago.
WHEN:
NY Post - The incident took place on the Fourth of July.
WHY:
WPTZ - City officials were made aware of the potential dangers posed by the fireworks for departing and arriving flights.
BBC - The air traffic controller stated, "There have been multiple reports as you can imagine," indicating ongoing communication regarding the incident.
BBC - The air traffic controller mentioned that the city was aware of the situation and would notify the Chicago police.
HOW:
WPTZ - Smaller consumer fireworks can reach heights of 50 to 200 feet, while some professional fireworks can explode at altitudes as high as 1,200 feet.
BBC - The firework was described as a mortar that hit the plane during its landing approach.
(UPDATED July 6, 2026 17:49 UTC)
Air traffic control audio has revealed a Delta pilot expressing concern after a loud bang was heard, hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath the plane. In a separate incident, an air traffic controller warned a Southwest Airlines flight by saying, “Welcome to the war zone,” to which the flight crew humorously responded, “That’s reassuring.” It's worth noting that smaller consumer fireworks can reach heights of 50 to 200 feet, while some professional fireworks can explode at altitudes as high as 1,200 feet.
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(UPDATED July 6, 2026 06:19 UTC)
Delta Flight 1076 reported a firework striking the plane during its descent at 200 feet, but thankfully, it landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport around 8:30 p.m. local time on July 4. The Federal Aviation Administration is now investigating the incident, as city officials had previously been alerted to the risks fireworks pose to both departing and arriving flights. This situation highlights ongoing safety concerns in the area regarding the use of fireworks near airports.
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(UPDATED July 5, 2026 23:17 UTC)
An air traffic controller has confirmed that there have been multiple reports concerning an ongoing incident, highlighting the active communication taking place. The situation is being closely monitored as authorities work to gather more information. Updates are expected as developments unfold.
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(UPDATED July 5, 2026 21:16 UTC)
A plane carrying 52 passengers and six crew members was involved in an incident, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The event was reported by the BBC at 19:19 UTC. Details about the nature of the incident have not been disclosed at this time.
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(UPDATED July 5, 2026 19:19 UTC)
A Delta Airlines plane was struck by a firework mortar while landing on the South Side of Chicago, resulting in a loud "big bang" that startled witnesses on board. The incident occurred on the Fourth of July, prompting the air traffic controller to inform the city, which would then notify the Chicago police. Authorities are currently assessing the situation following this unexpected event.