DALLAS- Southwest Airlines (WN) canceled two flights after 2 Boeing 737 aircraft collided during ground operations at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD). The incident involved a wingtip striking another aircraft’s tail while both jets were preparing for departure.
The affected services were Southwest Airlines Flight WN3409 from Providence to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Southwest Airlines Flight WN3515 from Providence (PVD) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Both flights had already experienced significant delays before the collision forced their cancellation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed it will investigate the incident.
Southwest Boeing 737 Involved In Ground Collision
Two Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft were involved in a ground collision at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport at approximately 10:45 PM local time.
The incident occurred while Flight WN3515 was pushing back from its gate for departure. During the maneuver, the aircraft’s wingtip made contact with the tail of another Southwest Boeing 737 operating Flight WN3409.
Although aircraft move at relatively low speeds during taxi and pushback operations, ground collisions can still result in costly damage.
Commercial aircraft structures, including wingtips and tail assemblies, require detailed inspections following any contact event. Airlines also face operational disruptions, repair expenses, and passenger reaccommodation costs when such incidents occur.
According to Simple Flying, passengers onboard reportedly noticed the collision before the flight crew became aware of the contact and alerted the cockpit.
A Southwest Airlines spokesperson said:
“Southwest Airlines is aware of an incident involving two of our aircraft at Rhode Island TF Green International Airport. We are investigating further and will be thoroughly inspecting the two aircraft.”
FAA Investigation Begins Following Aircraft Contact
The FAA has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Investigators are expected to examine aircraft movements, pushback procedures, ramp operations, communications, and airport ground handling activities.
The review will help determine how the wingtip-to-tail contact occurred and whether any operational factors contributed to the event.
No injuries were reported as a result of the collision.
Both Flights Were Canceled After Returning To The Terminal
Following the incident, both aircraft returned to the terminal building, and their scheduled flights were canceled.
Flight WN3409 was scheduled to operate from Providence to Chicago Midway, while Flight WN3515 was bound for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Since both services were already heavily delayed before the collision, the cancellations created additional disruption for passengers.
Southwest Airlines later confirmed that affected travelers had been reaccommodated on alternative services.
The airline also emphasized its commitment to safety, stating that nothing is more important than the safety of its employees and customers.
Aircraft Registrations And Current Status
According to Flightradar24, Flight WN3409 was scheduled to be operated by a Boeing 737-700, registered N7889A. Flight WN3515 was assigned a Boeing 737-800, registered N8525S.
Following post-incident inspections, N7889A returned to service and departed Providence for Nashville at approximately 10:45 AM the following morning.
Meanwhile, N8525S remained on the ground in Providence pending further evaluation at the time of reporting.
Southwest Airlines Operations From Providence
Southwest Airlines currently serves seven scheduled destinations from Providence, according to scheduling data from aviation analytics company Cirium.
Chicago Midway and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are among the carrier’s established routes from Providence.
However, Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) remains Southwest’s largest destination from the airport by scheduled departures.
Current June departure totals from Providence include:
| Destination | Airport Code | June Departures |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore/Washington | BWI | 151 |
| Chicago Midway | MDW | 82 |
| Orlando | MCO | 63 |
| Washington Reagan | DCA | 56 |
| Nashville | BNA | 38 |
| Tampa | TPA | 30 |
| Dallas Love Field | DAL | 4 |
The data highlights Southwest’s continued focus on connecting Providence with major business and leisure markets across the United States.
Ground Incidents
While ground collisions rarely pose the same level of risk as airborne incidents, they can create substantial operational challenges.
Even minor aircraft contact often requires engineering inspections, maintenance reviews, schedule adjustments, and passenger re-accommodation.
The Providence incident demonstrates how a low-speed collision can quickly affect airline operations, aircraft availability, and customer travel plans.
The FAA’s findings will provide further insight into the factors that led to the collision and any lessons that may emerge from the investigation.
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