Unstable approach — SWA634

KORD · 22L

2026-09-02 00:39 UTC· KMHT → KORD· SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO· B38M

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SWA634 (Southwest Airlines) was operating from KMHT to KORD on 2026-09-02. SkyMeter detected a low approach-stability score at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (KORD) on runway 22L at 00:39 UTC. Trace data at the event: 1798 ft AGL, 121 kt GS. METAR at the time reported 8 kt wind, 2 kt crosswind component, 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.

Active FAA TFR during this flight

Source: FAA TFR archive (hourly snapshot)
  • UAS PUBLIC GATHERING6/6427 2026-08-26 13:00Z – 2026-09-08 03:59Z SFC–400 ft

    Syracuse, NY, Wednesday, August 26, 2026 through Tuesday, September 8, 2026 UTC

    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 22L
  • 1798 ft AGL at event
  • 121 kt ground speed
  • 0 fpm vertical
  • 8 kt wind
  • 2 kt crosswind component
  • 14,484 m visibility
  • KORD 162251Z 03010KT 9SM BKN008 OVC017 20/18 A3026 RMK AO2 RAE08DZB08E24 SLP246 P0001 T02000183 $

Flight context

  • SWA634
  • Southwest Airlines
  • B38M
  • KMHT → KORD
  • 2026-09-02 00:39 UTC
  • KORD runway 22L

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