Southwest 737s Collide During Pushback at PVD Airport

Ground Collision at PVD Airport

Two Southwest Airlines aircraft were involved in a ground collision during pushback at Theodore Francis Green Memorial State Airport (PVD) late Thursday, June 11, 2026. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident occurred at approximately 10:45 PM local time as the two Boeing 737 aircraft were maneuvering on the airport ramp. The collision involved Southwest Flight 3515, which was scheduled for departure to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Southwest Flight 3409, bound for Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).

Following the contact, both aircraft returned to their respective gates under their own power. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew members on either flight. The FAA Newsroom has confirmed that an investigation into the ground collision is underway to determine the causal factors behind the incident.

Operational Impact and Maintenance Protocols

For the passengers aboard the two affected flights, the incident resulted in immediate cancellations and significant delays. Southwest Airlines was required to rebook travelers across both the PVD-DCA and PVD-MDW routes. Beyond the immediate passenger disruption, the event has triggered mandatory structural inspections for both Boeing 737 airframes. Under standard FAA safety mandates, maintenance crews must perform a thorough assessment of the wing and tail surfaces to ensure no structural compromise occurred during the contact before the aircraft can be cleared for a return to commercial service.

In an official statement, the carrier noted that it is cooperating fully with authorities. The airline stated that the safety of its customers and employees remains its highest priority, and it is currently conducting an internal review of the pushback procedures used during the event. Detailed information regarding the airline's response can be found in the Southwest Airlines Newsroom.

Industry Trends and Regulatory Scrutiny

This incident follows a series of ground-related safety events that have drawn increased attention from regulators. The FAA has been actively investigating a string of close calls and ground incidents throughout 2025 and 2026. A highly similar event occurred on May 4, 2026, when two Southwest jets clipped wingtips during pushback at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, an incident that also resulted in both aircraft being removed from service for inspection. These recurring events have placed a spotlight on ramp operations and the effectiveness of current wing walker protocols during congested nighttime operations.

Historically, ground incidents are subject to rigorous post-event analysis. In January 2026, a separate high-priority investigation was launched following a runway incursion in San Antonio. While each event involves unique circumstances, the current pattern of ground-based contact has led to broader discussions within the industry regarding the spacing of aircraft in non-ATC communication areas and the reliance on ground-handling personnel during pushback maneuvers.

The Path to Fleet Clearance

The immediate focus for Southwest Airlines is the completion of the required structural inspections. The timeline for returning these specific Boeing 737s to the active schedule depends on the findings of these maintenance checks and the subsequent approval by the FAA. While the airline has not provided a specific date for when the aircraft will resume operations, the process is expected to be completed in the coming days. The FAA investigation, which seeks to identify if procedural lapses occurred, is expected to continue through late 2026 as part of a broader effort to mitigate ground collision risks across the national airspace system.

Why This Matters for Ramp Safety

This collision highlights the persistent risks associated with ramp operations at busy regional airports. For ground handling teams and airport operators, the incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of strict adherence to spacing and wing walker procedures. As the industry continues to manage high passenger volumes and tight turnaround schedules, the ability to maintain safe distances between aircraft on the tarmac remains a primary safety concern. The outcome of the FAA investigation will likely influence future training requirements for ground crews and potentially lead to updated safety standards for pushback procedures nationwide.