Unstable approach — SWA2096

KBWI · 04

2026-08-19 22:09 UTC· KJAX KBWI· SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO· B737

SWA2096 (Southwest Airlines) was operating from KJAX to KBWI on 2026-08-19. SkyMeter detected a low approach-stability score at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (KBWI) on runway 04 at 22:09 UTC. Trace data at the event: 1255 ft AGL, 142 kt GS. Approach stability score: 37/100. 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 6 kt wind, 6 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.

Pilot review data

  • Runway 04
  • 1255 ft AGL at event
  • 142 kt ground speed
  • 0 fpm vertical
  • Approach stability 37/100
  • 6 kt wind
  • 6 kt crosswind component
  • 16,093 m visibility
  • KBWI 161754Z VRB05KT 10SM FEW035 FEW250 29/16 A3033 RMK AO2 SLP270 T02890156 10289 20167 56015

Flight context

  • SWA2096
  • Southwest Airlines
  • B737
  • KJAX → KBWI
  • 2026-08-19 22:09 UTC
  • KBWI runway 04

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· KBWI