A Delta Air Lines flight experienced a close encounter with a firework in the sky above Chicago on Saturday night, just before landing at Chicago Midway International Airport. The pilot of Delta flight 1076 alerted air traffic controllers to the incident, describing a "big bang" hitting the commercial airliner during its descent.
The encounter reportedly happened when the aircraft was at an altitude of 200 to 250 feet. The pilot suggested the sound might have been a "mortar that went off," referencing the tube used to launch fireworks.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Delta confirmed that the flight, which had departed from Atlanta with 52 passengers and six crew members, landed safely shortly after 8:30 p.m. local time. No injuries were reported onboard, and Delta stated that mechanics found no damage to the Airbus A319 upon inspection.
The FAA has announced it will investigate the incident. Air traffic control audio published by LiveATC.net indicated that there were "multiple reports" of similar encounters and that city officials were aware. The FAA and city government have not immediately responded to further inquiries regarding additional firework-related incidents impacting flights on Saturday.