A Firework Hit a Passenger Jet Over Chicago. The FAA Wants to Know Why.

Delta Flight 1076 was struck by a firework while landing at Chicago Midway on the Fourth of July. The aircraft landed safely with no damage, but the FAA has opened an investigation into how pyrotechnics reached a commercial airliner on final approach.

A Delta Air Lines flight arriving at Chicago Midway International Airport on the Fourth of July was struck by a firework during its final descent, triggering an FAA investigation into what could have been a catastrophic close call.

Delta Flight 1076, en route from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, was on final approach around 8:38 p.m. CT when the crew heard a loud bang and realized something had hit the aircraft. In air traffic control audio obtained after the incident, the pilot radioed tower with remarkable composure:

> "Tower, we just had a firework hit our plane, Delta 1076, we're continuing. We just heard a bang on the plane, so we'll have to look at it when we get to the gate. We're just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt a big bang."

The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked normally. A post-flight inspection by Delta on Sunday found no damage to the aircraft — a fortunate outcome that aviation experts say could easily have been far worse.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is investigating. Fireworks, particularly aerial mortars, can reach altitudes of several hundred feet, putting low-flying aircraft on approach at direct risk during holiday celebrations near airports.

The incident raises uncomfortable questions about firework safety zones around major airports during Independence Day, when pyrotechnic displays and unregulated backyard launches spike dramatically nationwide. Chicago Midway is surrounded by dense residential neighborhoods where fireworks are common on the holiday.

Delta has not reported any injuries among the 168 passengers and crew aboard the flight.

Sources: CNN, CNBC