Unstable approach — SWA4983

KBUF · 23

2026-08-08 00:16 UTC· KRSW → KBUF· SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO· B737

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SWA4983 (Southwest Airlines) was operating from KRSW to KBUF on 2026-08-08. SkyMeter detected a low approach-stability score at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (KBUF) on runway 23 at 00:16 UTC. Trace data at the event: 1836 ft AGL, 129 kt GS. METAR at the time reported 7 kt wind, 1 kt crosswind component, 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)
  • SECURITY5/2809 2025-10-20 12:00Z – 2026-10-20 12:00Z SFC–2,000 ft

    Palm Beach, FL, Monday, October 20, 2025 through Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Local

    View FAA NOTAM →
  • SECURITY6/0929 2026-08-03 12:30Z – 2026-08-08 06:00Z SFC–2,500 ft

    MAYPORT, FL, Monday, August 3, 2026 through Saturday, August 8, 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 23
  • 1836 ft AGL at event
  • 129 kt ground speed
  • 0 fpm vertical
  • 7 kt wind
  • 1 kt crosswind component
  • 16,093 m visibility
  • KBUF 161754Z 00000KT 10SM FEW012 OVC019 22/20 A3031 RMK AO2 SLP261 60001 T02220200 10222 20200 51003 $

Flight context

  • SWA4983
  • Southwest Airlines
  • B737
  • KRSW → KBUF
  • 2026-08-08 00:16 UTC
  • KBUF runway 23

All events on this flight

Unstable approach 00:16:46 UTC · KBUF runway 23 · 1,836 ft AGL · 129 kt GS
Unstable approach 00:16:46 UTC · KBUF runway 23 · 1,836 ft AGL · 129 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· KBUF