Overview
- The Airbus A319 operating as Delta Flight 1076 reported a loud bang about 200–250 feet above ground while descending and landed safely on Saturday with 52 passengers and six crew on board.
- Air traffic control audio records the crew telling the tower, “We just had a firework hit our plane,” and controllers had warned of multiple homes near the approach firing fireworks.
- Delta removed the aircraft from service for inspection and said mechanics found no damage, while the Chicago Police Department reported minor paint damage, creating a discrepancy investigators are examining.
- The FAA has opened a formal probe to assess damage, trace the origin and trajectory of the projectile, and determine any enforcement or safety actions.
- The incident highlights risks to aircraft during low final approaches on busy holiday travel nights and could prompt tighter local enforcement and guidance on fireworks near flight paths.