safety
Delta flight ‘felt a big bang’ after apparently being hit by firework while landing in Chicago
By Kara Nelson, Karina Tsui, Diego Mendoza at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 5, 2026
· 2 min read
A Delta Air Lines flight was apparently struck by fireworks as it descended into Chicago Midway International Airport on Saturday evening, according to air traffic control audio and the airline.We just had a firework hit our plane, the pilot of Delta Flight 1076 told controllers, according to the...
Key takeaway We just had a firework hit our plane, the pilot of Delta Flight 1076 told controllers, according to the audio.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The incident involving Delta Flight 1076 being struck by fireworks while landing in Chicago has significant implications for Nashville 's own air traffic safety. As a city that hosts numerous outdoor events and festivals, including those with fireworks displays, it's crucial for local authorities to review and strengthen their protocols for mitigating potential hazards to aircraft. The fact that city officials in Chicago were aware of the dangers posed by fireworks to departing and arriving flights, yet seemed uncertain about how to address the issue, raises concerns about the effectiveness of their response. Nashville's officials should take note of this incident and assess their own emergency procedures to prevent similar incidents at Nashville International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration's investigation into the incident will likely provide valuable insights, and Nashville's air traffic controllers and event organizers should be prepared to implement any necessary changes to ensure the safety of flights in and out of the city.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Delta Air Lines flight was apparently struck by fireworks as it descended into Chicago Midway International Airport on Saturday evening, according to air traffic control audio and the airline.We just had a firework hit our plane, the pilot of Delta Flight 1076 told controllers, according to the...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kara Nelson, Karina Tsui, Diego Mendoza at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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