Delta Air Lines Flight 1076 was hit by a firework while approaching Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). The fireworks were being set off as part of American Independence Day celebrations, which are held across the country on July 4 each year. Delta and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have said that the Airbus A319 landed safely, and that no injuries have been reported.
What Happened to The Plane?
Delta Air Lines Flight 1076 had taken off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at 19:51 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and was due to land at MDW at 20:33 Central Daylight Time (CDT).
The incident is believed to have occurred over Chicago, as the plane was preparing to land.
A Delta spokesperson has said that the plane
“reportedly made contact with a firework while on descent”.
A recording of the collision shows one of the six crew members on board telling Air Traffic Control (ATC)
“We’re just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath but definitely felt a big bang.”
Despite this the plane was able to land safely, with none of the crew, or any of the 52 passengers, being reported injured.
How Have the Authorities Responded?
The plane was inspected immediately after landing, with no signs of damage being found on the Airbus A319.
The FAA released a statement in the aftermath of the incident, saying that,
“Delta Air Lines Flight 1076 landed safely at MDW around 8:30pm local time Saturday July 4.”
Before telling reporters to,
“Please contact local authorities and the airline for more information.”
ATC had previously told the flight crew that the Chicago Police Department had been informed of the threat posed to landing aircraft by fireworks, but that it doubted the police would be able to help the situation.
Chicago Police Department released its own statement in the aftermath of the collision, saying that the aircraft “was struck by an unknown object” which had caused “minor paint damage”.
Are Fireworks a Threat to Planes?
Commercial aircraft usually fly at an altitude of roughly 10,500 metres (35,000 feet).
This is much higher than both the altitudes reached by personal fireworks, which rarely reach higher than 90m, and those of professional fireworks, which have been recorded reaching heights of up to around 450 metres.
Aircraft can become vulnerable to fireworks when they are preparing to land however, with Delta Flight 1076 being struck by the firework at an altitude of roughly 61m.
Flights were suspended from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Saturday, July 4, to allow for Independence Day celebrations to go ahead safely.
There have however been no confirmed instances of aircraft being seriously damaged after colliding with fireworks while preparing to land.
Should there be tighter regulations on using fireworks around airports? Should more flights have been suspended on Independence Day? Let us know what you think in the comments.
