A Delta Air Lines flight encountered an alarming situation on Saturday evening as it was descending toward Chicago Midway International Airport. The pilot of Delta Flight 1076 informed air traffic control that the aircraft had been struck by a firework.
In audio recordings from air traffic control, the pilot stated, "We just had a firework hit our plane," expressing hope that the incident involved only a mortar explosion beneath the aircraft. The pilot described feeling a significant bang as they approached the airport.
Air traffic controllers acknowledged that multiple reports of similar incidents had surfaced and directed the flight crew to proceed to the gate for a damage inspection.
As another flight, Southwest Airlines Flight 223, was preparing to land, controllers humorously warned them, "Welcome to the war zone," to which the Southwest crew responded with a light-hearted acknowledgment.
According to the pilot, the Delta flight was at an altitude of 200 feet during its descent. It is noted that consumer fireworks can reach heights between 50 and 200 feet, while professional displays can explode at altitudes up to 1,200 feet.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident. Delta Flight 1076 landed safely at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time, and no injuries were reported, as confirmed by the airline.
City officials have been alerted to the potential hazards posed by fireworks to aircraft operations, and they indicated plans to notify local law enforcement, although the effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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