During the descent of flight 1076 from Atlanta, an Airbus A319 struck fireworks at an altitude of approximately 200 feet just before landing at Chicago’s Midway International Airport. Onboard were 52 passengers and six crew members.
According to recordings of communications with air traffic controllers, the pilot reported a significant impact. Air traffic controllers had previously warned the flight of potential hazards due to multiple instances of fireworks being launched by residents living near the landing approach area. Despite the collision, the aircraft landed safely and taxied to the terminal without further incident.
Chicago police confirmed that the aircraft sustained minor damage to its paint but no other damages or malfunctions were found during the post-landing inspection. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident.
Journalists highlight that uncontrolled private firework displays have become a common issue in the United States during festive occasions, contrasting with official large-scale light shows that often lead to temporary flight suspensions at airports, such as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, for safety reasons.
