FAA investigates drone strike on plane near JFK Airport
FOX Business host Cheryl Casone highlighted growing safety concerns involving drones near airports after a JetBlue aircraft was reportedly struck near JFK and a helicopter narrowly avoided a large toy airplane. Casone noted that drones typically do not carry transponders, making them harder for authorities to detect and monitor. The FAA has since rolled out a public safety campaign, saying it receives roughly 100 complaints each month and can impose penalties of up to $100,000 for interference.
A Delta Air Lines aircraft was hit by a fireworks mortar while on approach to Chicago Midway International Airport on the Fourth of July, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
Delta Flight 1076 touched down safely at Midway at about 8:30 p.m. local time Saturday after pilots reported the aircraft had been struck by a fireworks mortar shortly before landing, according to an FAA statement.
The flight left Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 7:51 p.m. ET and arrived at Midway at 8:33 p.m. CT, a Delta Air Lines spokesperson told News Agency.
A file photo shows a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319. Federal officials said Delta Flight 1076, also an Airbus A319, was struck by a fireworks mortar while descending into Chicago Midway International Airport on July 4. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Delta said the Airbus A319 had 52 passengers and six crew members on board, and no injuries were reported.
“The flight safely landed and taxied to the gate,” a Delta spokesperson said.
The airline said the crew did not declare an emergency and the aircraft completed its landing without incident. After reaching the gate, Delta mechanics inspected the plane and found no damage.
A sign welcomes travelers to Chicago Midway International Airport in a file photo. Federal officials said Delta Flight 1076 was struck by a fireworks mortar while descending into the airport on July 4. (Getty Images)
Chicago police told CBS Chicago the firework caused minor paint damage to the aircraft and that the plane was undergoing additional inspections to determine whether it sustained further damage. Delta, however, told News Agency that mechanics found no damage during its post-flight inspection.
The FAA said it will investigate the incident.
An aerial view of Chicago Midway International Airport in a file photo. Federal officials said Delta Flight 1076 was struck by a fireworks mortar while descending into the airport on July 4. (Getty Images)
It remains unclear where the fireworks were launched from or whether authorities have identified those responsible. News Agency has reached out to the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Chicago Police Department for additional information.
Delta said it will fully cooperate with the FAA and other authorities as they review what happened.
