A Delta Air Lines flight landing in Chicago was hit by a firework as it was coming to land at Midway International Airport on Saturday.
The Federal Aviation Administration said just around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, the pilot reported that a fireworks mortar struck the aircraft while on descent just before landing.
The plane, Delta Flight 1076, was heading into Midway from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Across from the airport’s perimeter and runway and in the area near 63rd and Central Avenue, residents say fireworks were nonstop the night of the fourth.
“Maybe at least 20 per minute I would say, at least,” said Christina Bernabe.
Bernabe has lived next to Midway for over 20 years. She says she was surprised to learn a firework hit a landing plane.
Air traffic control audio indicated that the flight crew felt a big bang, and hoped it was just a mortar that went off underneath the plane. The ATC audio indicated that Chicago police were notified.
DePaul University transportation and aviation expert Joe Schwieterman says it’s something he’s not heard of happening.
“I’ve been watching aviation my whole life and have seen about everything from different kinds of birds to projectiles, but never a firework. So, this really is an indication that these risks pop out of nowhere,” he said.
Schwieterman says a pilot’s approach to Midway is difficult enough. It has short runways, dense traffic, and tightly configured neighborhoods surrounding it.
As to what could have been damaged?
“Perhaps a firecracker goes off right at the intake of the jet engine. That could cause something and combine that with another factor like a wind shear or an unexpected weather pattern,” Schwieterman said.
He added that it’s possible the person who set off the firework could be cited by police.
The aircraft, an Airbus A319, did land safely and taxied to the gate. There were 52 travelers and six crew members on the plane, Delta said. No one was hurt in the incident.
Chicago police said the firework caused minor paint damage. On Sunday, the plane was under evaluation to make sure there was no damage done, Delta said.
Bernabe says she is grateful everyone onboard and in her neighborhood are safe.
‘God forbid a plane, something happens, and lands on a house or on the block,” she said. “Was really shocked. Glad everyone is ok. Definitely a bit frightening.”
Chicago police referred further questions to the FBI.