Delta Flight with 58 Onboard Struck by Firework During Chicago Landing
A Delta Airlines passenger plane experienced a direct impact from a firework while descending into Chicago Midway International Airport. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, involving Delta flight 1191, which originated from Atlanta.
Air traffic control audio captured the pilot reporting, ".we just had a firework hit us." The aircraft, a Boeing 717, was approximately 6,000 feet (1,830 metres) above ground when the projectile struck. Immediately following the impact, the pilot added, "It definitely felt like a big bang."
A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the crew informed air traffic controllers of a possible firework strike. Preliminary inspections revealed no visible damage to the aircraft. Delta Airlines stated that the flight landed without further incident, and all 52 passengers and six crew members disembarked safely.
Such occurrences underscore the persistent, if often dismissed, risks to commercial aviation from unauthorised or uncontrolled ground-based activities. While no injuries or substantial damage were reported in this instance, the potential for catastrophic failure remains a serious concern for aviation safety regulators.
