DC Fireworks Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
The country’s capital was lit up with a massive fireworks show for the nation’s birthday.
A Delta Air Lines pilot reported that his plane may have been hit by a firework while descending into Chicago Midway International Airport on July 4, according to air traffic control audio and the airline.
The crew of Flight 1076 radioed to the control tower as they approached the runway and were about 200 feet above the ground, according to audio posted on social media.
The pilot of the plane told air traffic controllers, “A firework just fell on the plane.” “I just hope it was just a mortar shell exploding, but it definitely felt like a big impact.”
Air traffic controllers responded that they had received “multiple reports” of fireworks near the airport and called Chicago police. Chicago police said in a statement that the plane “collided with an unknown object,” causing “minor paint damage.”
Delta Air Lines said in a statement to USA TODAY that the plane landed without incident and that no damage was found upon inspection by mechanics. “The plane landed safely and taxied to the gate,” the statement said.
In a statement to USA TODAY, the Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate the incident but would defer further information to local authorities and Delta Air Lines.
