The Independence Day celebrations in Chicago turned into a nightmare for dozens of passengers when a firework "made contact" with a Delta Air Lines plane as it descended in the city on Saturday.
Flight 1076, which was carrying 52 passengers and six crew members, took off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at about 7:50 local time and was preparing to land at Chicago Midway International Airport less than two hours later when the aircraft "made contact with a firework while on descent," according to a Delta spokesperson.
The Airbus A319 landed safely and taxied to the gate, with no one injured, and the aircraft was inspected by mechanics, who found no damage, the airline said.
In an audio recording published online, the pilot described feeling "a big bang" and told air traffic control that the plane had been hit by a firework. "Tower, we just had a firework hit our plane, Delta 1076. We're continuing," the pilot said.
Air traffic controllers had warned flights about fireworks present in the area prior to the incident, with one controller saying, "Delta 1076... use caution, there are multiple homes near the approach end shooting off fireworks."
The Chicago Police Department said that the aircraft "was struck by an unknown object" which caused "minor paint damage," and the FAA is investigating the incident.
A resident who lives near the airport said that fireworks were going off non-stop on Independence Day, with at least 20 per minute, and expressed shock that one of them hit a landing plane.
Fortunately, everyone on board was safe, and the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions during celebrations.
The incident highlights the risks associated with fireworks and the need for vigilance during celebrations.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it is too early to say what caused the firework to hit the plane.
