A Delta Air Lines flight was struck by fireworks while landing in Chicago on the Fourth of July.
A fireworks mortar struck Delta Flight 1076 during its descent just before it landed at Chicago Midway International Airport around 8:30 p.m. local time Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
The plane was heading into Midway from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, officials said.
Air traffic control audio revealed that the flight crew felt a large bang on the plane and had hoped it was just a firework that went off underneath the aircraft.
“Tower, we just had a firework hit our plane, Delta 1076, we’re continuing,” cabin crew told air traffic control during the incident. “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 flight had taken off from Atlanta at 7:51 p.m. ET and landed in Chicago just after 8:30 p.m. CT, Delta told The Independent.
The plane, an Airbus A319, landed safely and without an emergency landing, the airline said.
No one was hurt but the aircraft was taken out of service for an inspection. The mechanics who inspected the plane reported no damage found on the aircraft, Delta said.
“Delta flight 1076 from Atlanta (ATL) to Chicago (MDW) reportedly made contact with a firework while on descent. The flight safely landed and taxied to the gate,” a Delta spokesperson told The Independent.
There were 52 passengers and six crew members on board at the time, Delta said.
The FAA says it will investigate the incident.
