Embodiments of the invention include a method for collecting RLF data in a wireless network. The method may include receiving, by a first radio access node, RLF data related to a connection failure experienced by a UE. The method may then include determining whether the RLF data satisfies at least one condition and, when it is determined that the RLF data satisfies the at least one condition, sending the RLF data to at least one of a second radio access node and an RLF data collection entity. In one embodiment, the RLF data may be received from a second radio access node or the UE.