Unstable approach — CFR78

KSMX · 30

2026-08-22 19:44 UTC· P27 KLPC· USDA FOREST SERVICE FEPP, CALIFORNIA DEPT OF FORESTRY & FIRE PRO· S2T

CFR78 (Usda Forest Service Fepp) was operating from P27 to KLPC on 2026-08-22. SkyMeter detected a low approach-stability score at Santa Maria Pub/Capt G Allan Hancock Field (KSMX) on runway 30 at 19:44 UTC. Trace data at the event: 1356 ft AGL, 138 kt GS. Approach stability score: 32/100. Scores below 50 occur on under 10% of approaches at this runway and indicate the v2 scorer flagged the approach as highly anomalous (three or more gates exceeded the runway's P90 envelope simultaneously). METAR at the time reported 11 kt wind, 6 kt crosswind component, 11,265 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.

Pilot review data

  • Runway 30
  • 1356 ft AGL at event
  • 138 kt ground speed
  • 0 fpm vertical
  • Approach stability 32/100
  • 11 kt wind
  • 6 kt crosswind component
  • 11,265 m visibility
  • KSMX 160040Z AUTO 31011KT 7SM FEW028 18/13 A2993 RMK T01800130 MADISHF

Flight context

  • CFR78
  • Usda Forest Service Fepp
  • S2T
  • P27 → KLPC
  • 2026-08-22 19:44 UTC
  • KSMX runway 30

All events on this flight

Unstable approach 19:44:58 UTC · KSMX runway 30 · 1,356 ft AGL · 138 kt GS
Long landing rollout 20:19:18 UTC · L52 runway 29 · 239 ft AGL · 17 kt GS
Unstable approach 19:44:58 UTC · KSMX runway 30 · 1,356 ft AGL · 138 kt GS
Long landing rollout 20:19:18 UTC · L52 runway 29 · 239 ft AGL · 17 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· KSMX