Chaos at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport: Two Southwest Planes Collide
Travelers at the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport experienced a frightening moment this week when two aircraft from Southwest Airlines were involved in a ground collision. What was already a frustrating day for passengers turned into a serious safety incident that has now triggered a federal investigation.
What Happened During the Incident?
According to reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. on June 12, 2026. The wing of Southwest Airlines Flight 3515 allegedly made contact with the tail of Southwest Airlines Flight 3409 while the aircraft was pushing back onto the taxiway.
Following the collision, both aircraft were forced to return to their respective gates to safely disembark all passengers. While no serious injuries were reported, the event caused significant disruption to flight schedules at the busy Rhode Island hub.
Passenger Accounts: A Night of Frustration
The situation was further complicated by the experiences of those on board. Passengers reported a series of failures leading up to the clash:
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- Extreme Delays: Some passengers noted they had already been delayed for six hours before the incident occurred.
- Lack of Awareness: Shockingly, passengers claimed they had to yell toward the cockpit to alert the crew that a collision had actually taken place.
- Observation from the Cabin: One passenger mentioned that while they noticed the planes getting dangerously close, they never expected an actual impact.
Due to the damage and the subsequent investigation, FlightAware confirmed that the flight was ultimately canceled.
FAA Investigation and Next Steps
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. Investigators will look into ground control communications, pilot actions, and airport ground crew protocols to prevent future occurrences at the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport.
Southwest Airlines has issued a statement regarding the event, emphasizing their commitment to safety, though the aircraft involved remained grounded for inspections throughout Friday morning.
Key Takeaways from the T.F. Green Incident
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- Location: Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport.
- Aircraft Involved: Southwest Flight 3515 and Flight 3409.
- Primary Cause: Wing-to-tail contact during pushback.
- Status: FAA investigation currently underway.
For more updates on travel safety and aviation regulations, you can visit the official Southwest Airlines newsroom.
