Delta Air Lines Flight Incident: Was a Delta Air Lines flight hit by fireworks as it landed in Chicago on July 4th? Pilot said he ‘felt a big explosion’
A Delta Air Lines flight was apparently struck by fireworks as it landed at Chicago’s Midway International Airport during Fourth of July celebrations, prompting a federal investigation into the incident.The pilot of Delta Air Lines Flight 1076 reported the incident to air traffic controllers shortly before landing Saturday night, saying the plane suffered a large impact while flying at low altitude, the Associated Press reported.
Pilot reports ‘big explosion’ on landing
“Our aircraft was just hit by fireworks,” the pilot told the controller, according to air traffic control audio.The pilot added: “We were just hoping it was just a mortar going off down there, but we did feel a big explosion.”The aircraft was descending at an altitude of approximately 200 to 250 feet when the incident occurred.The pilot said the crew hoped the noise came from “just a mortar explosion,” referring to the tubes used for aerial fireworks.Air traffic controllers responded that they had received “multiple reports of similar incidents” and directed crew to proceed to the gate for inspection.The incident also led to a shocking exchange with another arriving aircraft.As a Southwest Airlines flight approached Midway Airport, an air traffic controller warned the crew, “Welcome to a war zone,” CNN reported.“That’s reassuring,” the Southwest Airlines pilot responded.Controllers also said city officials have been informed of the potential risks posed by setting off fireworks near arriving and departing aircraft.
The aircraft landed safely and no damage was found
Delta Air Lines Flight 1076, an Airbus A319 from Atlanta carrying 52 passengers and six crew members, landed safely at Chicago Midway shortly after 8:30 pm local time.Delta Air Lines said there were no reports of injuries.After the plane landed, airline mechanics inspected the plane and found no damage, the Associated Press reported.The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into reported fireworks attacks.“Delta Flight 1076 landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 4,” the FAA said in a statement.The agency requested further inquiries from local authorities and airlines.It was unclear whether other planes were hit by fireworks during the celebrations.However, air traffic controllers cited “multiple reports” of similar encounters and said Chicago city officials had been notified of the potential danger.
