Unstable approach — SWA2522

KMDW · 13LC

2026-08-04 20:29 UTC· KMCI KMDW· SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO· B38M

SWA2522 (Southwest Airlines) was operating from KMCI to KMDW on 2026-08-04. SkyMeter detected a low approach-stability score at Chicago Midway International Airport (KMDW) on runway 13LC at 20:29 UTC. Trace data at the event: 1723 ft AGL, 156 kt GS. Approach stability score: 41/100. 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 7 kt wind, 6 kt crosswind component, 4,828 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 13LC
  • 1723 ft AGL at event
  • 156 kt ground speed
  • 0 fpm vertical
  • Approach stability 41/100
  • 7 kt wind
  • 6 kt crosswind component
  • 4,828 m visibility
  • KMDW 200853Z 03003KT 3SM TSRA BR FEW004 BKN050CB OVC080 20/20 A2988 RMK AO2 SLP112 OCNL LTGICCC OHD TS OHD MOV E P0012 60050 T02000200 58007 $

Flight context

  • SWA2522
  • Southwest Airlines
  • B38M
  • KMCI → KMDW
  • 2026-08-04 20:29 UTC
  • KMDW runway 13LC

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