Unstable approach — SWA259

KDAL · 13R

2025-12-09 21:03 UTC· KTUS KDAL· SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO· B38M

SWA259 (Southwest Airlines) was operating from KTUS to KDAL on 2025-12-09. SkyMeter detected a low approach-stability score at Dallas Love Field (KDAL) on runway 13R at 21:03 UTC. Trace data at the event: 1486 ft AGL, 146 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 11 kt wind, 6 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.

Pilot review data

  • Runway 13R
  • 1486 ft AGL at event
  • 146 kt ground speed
  • 0 fpm vertical
  • Approach stability 58/100
  • 11 kt wind
  • 6 kt crosswind component
  • 16,093 m visibility
  • KDAL 170053Z 14009KT 10SM FEW250 35/18 A3011 RMK AO2 SLP188 T03500178

Flight context

  • SWA259
  • Southwest Airlines
  • B38M
  • KTUS → KDAL
  • 2025-12-09 21:03 UTC
  • KDAL runway 13R

All events on this flight

Unstable approach 21:03:31 UTC · KDAL runway 13R · 1,486 ft AGL · 146 kt GS
Runway overrun 21:05:00 UTC · KDAL runway 13R · 485 ft AGL · 141 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· KDAL