safety
Delta pilot reports a close encounter with a July Fourth firework before landing in Chicago
By Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 5, 2026
· 2 min read
NEW YORK (AP) — A Delta Air Lines flight and a high-flying firework reportedly came into contact in the sky above Chicago as the city celebrated the Fourth of July holiday.
The pilot of Delta flight 1076 notified air traffic controllers just before landing at Chicago Midway International Airport ...
Key takeaway Both the Federal Aviation Administration and Delta said the plane, which had taken off from Atlanta carrying 52 passengers and six crew members, landed safely just after 8:30 p.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
While the incident occurred in Chicago, Minneapolis residents may be wondering about the safety of fireworks in their own city. As the Twin Cities area celebrates various events throughout the year, including the Fourth of July, concerns about aerial fireworks and air traffic safety are relevant locally. The fact that the Delta pilot reported the incident at an altitude of 200 to 250 feet, a relatively low height, raises questions about the proximity of fireworks to flight paths in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. With two major airports, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and several smaller airfields, the potential for similar incidents exists. The Federal Aviation Administration's investigation into the Chicago incident may have implications for how fireworks are regulated and monitored in the Twin Cities, particularly in areas near airports or flight paths.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis 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 KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NEW YORK (AP) — A Delta Air Lines flight and a high-flying firework reportedly came into contact in the sky above Chicago as the city celebrated the Fourth of July holiday.
The pilot of Delta flight 1076 notified air traffic controllers just before landing at Chicago Midway International Airport ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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