Unstable approach — SWA2851

KMDW · 04R

2026-08-16 11:54 UTC· KMEM → KMDW· UMB BANK NA TRUSTEE· B738

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SWA2851 (UMB Bank NA) was operating from KMEM to KMDW on 2026-08-16. SkyMeter detected a low approach-stability score at Chicago Midway International Airport (KMDW) on runway 04R at 11:54 UTC. Trace data at the event: 1730 ft AGL, 136 kt GS. Approach stability score: 58/100. Scores in this band occur on roughly 10-15% of approaches at this runway, with multiple gates outside the per-runway envelope. METAR at the time reported 8 kt wind, 4 kt crosswind component, 16,093 m visibility. The approach-stability score rates the final approach against stabilized-approach gates (glideslope, lateral deviation, descent rate, and IAS) at defined altitudes. A low score means one or more of those were outside the normal envelope for how the approach was flown. The score is graded by guidance type, so instrument approaches (ILS or an aligned straight-in) are held to the full gate set, while visual and pattern arrivals are surfaced only when the score is clearly low. The score is advisory and observational, a deviation measure, not an assertion of an accident. Detection algorithm and known limitations: see SkyMeter methodology.

Active FAA TFR during this flight

Source: FAA TFR archive (hourly snapshot)
  • SECURITY6/0708 2026-08-01 00:01Z – 2027-08-01 23:59Z SFC–400 ft

    Goodlettsville, TN, Saturday, August 1, 2026 through Sunday, August 1, 2027 UTC

    View FAA NOTAM →
  • AIR SHOWS/SPORTS6/2569 2026-08-13 14:00Z – 2026-08-16 22:00Z SFC–16,000 ft

    chicago, IL, Thursday, August 13, 2026 through Sunday, August 16, 2026 UTC

    View FAA NOTAM →
  • UAS PUBLIC GATHERING6/3173 2026-08-13 21:00Z – 2026-08-23 07:00Z SFC–400 ft

    Lebanon, TN, Thursday, August 13, 2026 through Sunday, August 23, 2026 UTC

    View FAA NOTAM →
  • UAS PUBLIC GATHERING6/3174 2026-08-15 11:00Z – 2026-08-17 02:00Z SFC–400 ft

    Memphis, TN, Saturday, August 15, 2026 through Monday, August 17, 2026 UTC

    View FAA NOTAM →
  • UAS PUBLIC GATHERING6/3355 2026-08-15 11:00Z – 2026-08-17 02:00Z SFC–400 ft

    Memphis, TN, Saturday, August 15, 2026 through Monday, August 17, 2026 UTC

    View FAA NOTAM →

SkyMeter cross-referenced this flight against FAA-published TFRs that were active during its window and within its geographic bounding box. Overlap doesn't necessarily mean violation — the aircraft may have been outside the TFR’s precise polygon or flying under air-traffic-control coordination.

Pilot review data

  • Runway 04R
  • 1730 ft AGL at event
  • 136 kt ground speed
  • 0 fpm vertical
  • Approach stability 58/100
  • 8 kt wind
  • 4 kt crosswind component
  • 16,093 m visibility
  • KMDW 170353Z 35005KT 10SM OVC009 21/19 A3028 RMK AO2 DZB15E38 SLP245 P0000 T02060189 $

Flight context

  • SWA2851
  • UMB Bank NA
  • B738
  • KMEM → KMDW
  • 2026-08-16 11:54 UTC
  • KMDW runway 04R

All events on this flight

Unstable approach 11:54:59 UTC · KMDW runway 04R · 1,730 ft AGL · 136 kt GS
Unstable approach 11:54:59 UTC · KMDW runway 04R · 1,730 ft AGL · 136 kt GS

Automated analysis. Events shown on this page (such as go-around, unstable approach, or runway events) are heuristic classifications produced by algorithms from publicly broadcast ADS-B data. They are intended to surface flights of interest for further review — they are not findings of fact, and they do not determine pilot fault, regulatory compliance, or the cause of any occurrence. Coverage gaps and sensor noise can affect accuracy. Only the relevant civil aviation authority or accident investigation body can make official determinations. How we detect events · Dispute or correct this data

SkyMeter · trace data observed via ADS-B· KMDW