On December 20, 2004, about 0620 eastern standard time, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, N402A, operated by American Airlines Inc., as flight 763, was substantially damaged during push-back at Theodore Francis Green State Airport (PVD), Providence, Rhode Island. The 2 certificated airline transport pilots, 3 cabin attendants, and 82 passengers were not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned flight to Chicago, Illinois. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the air carrier flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 121. The flight crew reported that the airplane was being pushed by a tug, on an icy ramp. During the push-back, the tug slid left on a patch of ice, and struck the airplane's right side, damaging the nose landing gear, three longerons, and two frames. The driver of the tug stated that during push-back, he initiated a slight turn and the airplane began to move toward the tug. The driver then exited the vehicle before the impact. The reported weather at PVD, at 0551, was: wind from 330 degrees at 14 knots; visibility 9 miles in light snow; broken ceiling at 1,700 feet; overcast ceiling at 2,100 feet; temperature 25 degrees F; dew point 22 degrees F; altimeter 29.56 inches Hg.