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July 5, 2026, 2:21 PM EDT
By Mirna Alsharif and Jay Blackman
A Delta flight was struck by a firework while descending into Chicago on July Fourth, according to the airline.
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Delta Flight 1076, traveling from Atlanta to Chicago Midway International Airport, “reportedly made contact with a firework” during landing, Delta Air Lines told NBC News.
According to air traffic control audio, the flight crew reported hearing and feeling a “big bang” when the firework struck the Airbus A319.
“We’re just hoping it was just the mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt the big bang,” a crew member told air traffic control.
Despite the incident, the flight landed safely and taxied to the gate without further problems, the airline said. Delta said the matter remains under evaluation.
Chicago police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Mirna Alsharif is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.
Jay Blackman
Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.
Austin Mullencontributed.
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