The Fourth of July is a time of celebration. And, what is celebration to us Americans?
Well, it's a lot of things. But if there's one thing in particular I think we're known for across the world is our beautiful firework displays. They're really one of a kind - I doubt many other countries do it like we do.
But, of course, like anything else, there's caveats with the things we do. One of those caveats I bet you've never thought of before, though, is the possibility of a plane getting hit by a firework.
All in all, you're right not to think about it. It's really an unlikely thing to happen. But, in a pretty unsurprising turn of events, it did - on the Fourth of July, of course.
As reported by People, the wild incident happened on Delta Flight 1076. It was travelling from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport.
Delta Airlines explained in a statement that the flight had "made contact with a firework on descent." That makes sense - usually fireworks don't go high enough at all to really be interacting with commercial fights.
Videos by Wide Open Country
No One On the Plane Was Hurt
You'll be glad to hear that no one on the Delta flight was hurt. All 52 passengers and 6 crew members "landed safely and taxied to the gate". A spokesperson for Chicago Midway airport also confirmed that everyone arrived safely, and that no one was injured.
Air traffic control audio also captured the wild moment the pilot noticed what had happened. "Tower, we just had a firework hit our plane, Delta 1076. We're continuing."
"We just heard the bang on the plane, so we'll have to take a look at it when we get to the gate." The plane ended up being inspected by mechanics once it landed. Luckily, they found that there was no damage caused at all.
"We're hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt a big bang," he added. We're glad that it was only minor - things could have definitely gone so much more wrong.
Well done to the pilots for navigating that the way they did, too!
