Plane hit by firework during landing in Atlanta

As records of the radio communications show, an air traffic controller had already warned the crew a few minutes before the incident. „In der Nähe des Anflugbereichs zünden mehrere Anwohner Feuerwerkskörper“, the controller reportedly said. According to the information, the aircraft was at an altitude of around 61 meters when the object struck it.

Background information

According to initial investigations, police assume that the aircraft was hit by „an unknown object“ that caused paint damage, as the BBC reported citing authorities. No injuries on board have been reported as of the current state of information.

The incident occurred on the evening of the U.S. national holiday, during which numerous fireworks displays took place across the country. According to reporters, millions of people in the USA celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on Saturday. In several cities, private fireworks displays took place, in some cases in residential areas.

Reactions and investigations

Delta Air Lines confirmed the incident on Sunday and stated that the aircraft had been inspected by technicians after landing. The airline also expressed concern about the potential danger posed by unauthorized fireworks near the airport. Investigations into the origin of the object are ongoing.

The Federal Aviation Administration FAA announced that it would investigate the incident together with the airport operator. Among other things, the investigation will examine whether residents in the area around the airport violated applicable rules on the use of fireworks.

Aviation experts pointed out that even small fireworks at low altitude can pose a risk to landing aircraft. A strike at this phase of the approach is considered particularly dangerous, as pilots have only limited options to evade at this altitude.

Safety risks during approach

Eyewitnesses on the ground reported that they had heard several loud explosions in the vicinity of the airport. Some residents initially assumed that the sounds were from authorized Independence Day celebrations before police confirmed the connection to the incident.

The airport operator stated that flight operations were briefly interrupted after the incident and subsequently resumed. Travelers should expect possible delays. The affected aircraft will remain on the ground until the technical investigation is completed.

If the suspicion is confirmed that a private firework caused the strike, those responsible face severe penalties under U.S. law. The authorities announced that they would accept tips from the public and pursue the case rigorously.