A Delta Air Lines flight was apparently struck by fireworks as it descended into Chicago Midway International Airport on Saturday evening, according to air traffic control audio and the airline.
The pilot of Delta Flight 1076 told controllers, ‘We just had a firework hit our plane. We’re just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt a big bang.’ The controller replied that there had been ‘multiple reports’ of similar incidents and instructed the crew to head to the gate and inspect the aircraft for damage.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the incident. No injuries were reported in the incident, Delta Air Lines said in a statement.
City officials were made aware of the potential dangers the fireworks were posing for the departing and arriving flights. The incident occurred on July 4, during a time when fireworks are commonly used to celebrate Independence Day.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.