Delta flight struck by firework during July 4 landing in Chicago, no injuries reported

The incident

On the evening of July 4, 2026, Delta Air Lines flight 1076 was on final approach to Chicago Midway International Airport when it was struck by a firework. The aircraft had departed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 19:36 local time and was descending through an altitude of about 200 feet, according to air traffic control audio obtained by Atc.com. The flight landed safely at Midway at 20:38, roughly one hour after departure.

Pilot communications

Audio captured the exchange between the flight crew and Chicago Midway air traffic control.

Tower, a firework just hit our plane, but we are continuing the flight.

The pilot later added,

We heard a loud bang on the plane, so we'll have to check when we get to the gate. We hope it's just a shot fired below, but we heard a loud boom.

The controller responded that he had received "numerous" similar reports from other aircraft and had already notified city authorities.

Aftermath and investigation

The aircraft landed without incident and taxied to the gate. No emergency was declared, and no passengers or crew were injured. Delta Air Lines confirmed the event in a statement to CNN, saying the plane "hit a firework" during landing and is currently undergoing inspection. The airline did not report any damage.

Independence Day context

The incident occurred during nationwide celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. Fireworks displays were scheduled in Chicago and many other cities. The firework that struck the aircraft was likely launched from a ground location near the airport's approach path, according to flight tracking data from FlightAware.com.

1. Jul 4, 07:36 PMFlight 1076 departs Atlanta
2. During approachAircraft struck by firework at 200 feet
3. Jul 4, 08:38 PMFlight lands safely at Chicago Midway
4. Post-landingAircraft under inspection, no injuries reported