B737-800 flight crew reported the nose of the aircraft began to lift off the ground while parked at the gate when the aircraft was unloaded from the front with a heavy load of aft cargo and a strong tail wind.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported the nose of the aircraft began to lift off the ground while parked at the gate when the aircraft was unloaded from the front with a heavy load of aft cargo and a strong tail wind.
Narrative
During deplaning the nose gear of the aircraft lifted off of the ground. Scenario: Gusty winds from the rear of the aircraft up to 45-50 kts. Heavy cargo (mail) in the rear of the aircraft. [Passengers in the] forward half of the aircraft deplaned. While conducting the post flight/preflight; I noticed slight movement in the nose-gear (left to right of the parking line). After finishing the walk around; I spoke to the Crew Chief who said that the nose gear was beginning to lift off of the ground. I quickly went up the stairs; and back into the flight deck. As I got onto the aircraft; the nose began to lift several inches (the Gate Agent thought it was the jet bridge moving uncommanded down). We instructed the passengers to stay back from the door; closed the aircraft door; had the Gate Agent pull the jet bridge; instructed catering to not open the service door and made a PA to the passengers to move forward in the aircraft. We had the remaining 40-50 passengers all move to the front of the aircraft (forward the emergency exit row) and take a seat while the ramp was able to offload the heavy mail/cargo. It only took a few minutes to determine that the nose gear was safely back on the ground. We resumed deplaning. After all passengers and cargo were offloaded; I conducted an inspection of the forward exterior of the aircraft and consulted with agents to determine that there was no contact or damage from the movement of the aircraft. We determined the movement to be 6 inches or less.[I would suggest] unloading AFT cargo prior to FWD cargo when warranted.
Second reporter narrative
[Report narrative contained on additional information.]
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.