Unstable approach — N648SA

KPAE · 16L

2026-08-31 17:38 UTC· WA43 KPAE· FOUR DELTA TANGO LLC· SYMP

N648SA (Four Delta Tango) was operating from WA43 to KPAE on 2026-08-31. SkyMeter detected a low approach-stability score at Snohomish County (Paine Field) Airport (KPAE) on runway 16L at 17:38 UTC. Trace data at the event: 1168 ft AGL, 67 kt GS. Approach stability score: 27/100. 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 5 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.

Pilot review data

  • Runway 16L
  • 1168 ft AGL at event
  • 67 kt ground speed
  • 0 fpm vertical
  • Approach stability 27/100
  • 5 kt wind
  • 0 kt crosswind component
  • 16,093 m visibility
  • KPAE 160853Z AUTO 01004KT 10SM CLR 13/11 A3012 RMK AO2 SLP200 T01280111 50005

Flight context

  • N648SA
  • Four Delta Tango
  • SYMP
  • WA43 → KPAE
  • 2026-08-31 17:38 UTC
  • KPAE runway 16L

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· KPAE