Unstable approach — SWA2523

KORD · 22L

2026-08-12 00:38 UTC· KMCI KORD· SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO· B737

SWA2523 (Southwest Airlines) was operating from KMCI to KORD on 2026-08-12. SkyMeter detected a low approach-stability score at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (KORD) on runway 22L at 00:38 UTC. Trace data at the event: 1777 ft AGL, 126 kt GS. METAR at the time reported 2 kt wind, 14,484 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 22L
  • 1777 ft AGL at event
  • 126 kt ground speed
  • 0 fpm vertical
  • 2 kt wind
  • 0 kt crosswind component
  • 14,484 m visibility
  • KORD 162351Z 04011KT 9SM BKN007 OVC013 19/18 A3027 RMK AO2 SLP246 60003 T01940183 10244 20194 55007 $

Flight context

  • SWA2523
  • Southwest Airlines
  • B737
  • KMCI → KORD
  • 2026-08-12 00:38 UTC
  • KORD runway 22L

All events on this flight

Unstable approach 00:38:47 UTC · KORD runway 22L · 1,777 ft AGL · 126 kt GS
Unstable approach 00:38:47 UTC · KORD runway 22L · 1,777 ft AGL · 126 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· KORD