Unstable approach — AAL472

KDCA · 19

2026-08-06 01:12 UTC· KDFW → KDCA· AMERICAN AIRLINES INC· B738

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AAL472 (American Airlines) was operating from KDFW to KDCA on 2026-08-06. SkyMeter detected a low approach-stability score at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) on runway 19 at 01:12 UTC. Trace data at the event: 1131 ft AGL, 156 kt GS. METAR at the time reported 6 kt wind, 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 →
  • SECURITY6/1231 2026-08-05 05:00Z – 2026-08-07 09:30Z SFC–17,999 ft

    Macon, GA, Wednesday, August 5, 2026 through Friday, August 7, 2026 Local

    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 19
  • 1131 ft AGL at event
  • 156 kt ground speed
  • 0 fpm vertical
  • 6 kt wind
  • 0 kt crosswind component
  • 16,093 m visibility
  • KDCA 190052Z 01009KT 10SM FEW036 BKN095 26/18 A3008 RMK AO2 SLP186 T02560178

Flight context

  • AAL472
  • American Airlines
  • B738
  • KDFW → KDCA
  • 2026-08-06 01:12 UTC
  • KDCA runway 19

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· KDCA