Firework strikes Delta plane landing in Chicago

A Delta Air Lines flight descending into Chicago Midway International Airport was struck by a firework on July Fourth, but landed safely and no one was injured, officials and the airline said.

Delta Flight 1076 was traveling from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Midway when the incident occurred just before landing Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The FAA said the pilot reported around 8:30 p.m. that a fireworks mortar had struck the aircraft while it was on descent.

Delta told NBC News the Airbus A319 “reportedly made contact with a firework” during landing. The airline said the plane landed safely and taxied to the gate without further problems.

Air traffic control audio captured the flight crew describing the impact. A crew member reported hearing and feeling a “big bang” when the firework struck the plane.

“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, according to the audio.

CBS News reported that the air traffic control audio indicated Chicago police were notified. Chicago police said the firework caused minor paint damage and referred further questions to the FBI, according to CBS News.

There were 52 travelers and six crew members on board, Delta said. No injuries were reported.

Delta said Sunday that the aircraft remained under evaluation to make sure there was no additional damage. The airline also said the matter remains under evaluation.