Delta flight lands safely after fireworks hit plane in Chicago
A Delta Air Lines flight landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport after the pilot reported that a fireworks mortar struck the aircraft just before landing during Fourth of July celebrations, according to aviation officials. No injuries were reported.
The incident happened at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday as Delta Flight 1076 was arriving at Midway after departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The aircraft was an Airbus A319-114, according to AirNav radar data. Delta said no injuries were reported in the incident.
In air traffic control audio, the pilot told the tower that a firework had hit the aircraft but said the flight was continuing. The pilot later said the plane was about 200 feet above the ground when the crew heard a bang.
“We just heard the bang on the plane, so we’ll have to take a look at it once we get to the gate,” the pilot said, according to the audio. “We’re just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt a big bang.”
Air traffic control acknowledged the report and continued giving the crew taxi instructions after landing. The crew was also told that Chicago police would be notified.
The FAA said it will investigate. Officials did not immediately say whether the aircraft sustained damage.
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