A Delta Air Lines aircraft was reportedly struck by a flare as it was approaching for landing at Chicago Midway International Airport, on July 4, according to an audio clip of the pilots’ communication with the control tower.

A Delta spokesperson confirmed that Flight 1076, which was operating the Atlanta – Chicago, landed safely, clarifying that there was no need for an emergency landing. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

“Delta Flight 1076 from Atlanta (ATL) to Chicago (MDW) reportedly came into contact with a flare during its descent. The aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate,” a company spokesperson said.

Upon arrival, the aircraft was temporarily removed from the flight schedule so that the necessary technical inspections could be performed.

According to flight data, the aircraft departed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 7:36 p.m. (local time) and landed at Chicago Midway at 8:38 p.m.

“A firework just hit our plane,” the pilot can be heard telling the control tower. “We heard a loud bang on the aircraft, so we’ll have to check it when we get to the gate. We hope it was just a firework that went off below us, but we definitely felt a loud bang,” he added.

The incident occurred during one of the busiest travel weekends in the U.S., due to the Fourth of July celebrations, with increased passenger traffic at airports and dozens of fireworks displays across the country.

According to CNN, the aircraft was flying at an altitude of about 200 feet when the crew reported the incident. An air traffic controller informed the pilot that there were “multiple” reports of fireworks in the area and that the city’s relevant authorities had been notified.

Source: Protothema.gr