EMB-175 Captain reported possible aircraft damage when high winds shifted the jet bridge position onto the aircraft fuselage while parked at the gate due to thunderstorms. The flight was deplaned and maintenance inspected the aircraft.

Date: 2025-02 · Aircraft: EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR · Phase: ground

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical|ground-event-encounter-ground-equipment-issue|ground-event-encounter-object|ground-event-encounter-weather-turbulence

Synopsis

EMB-175 Captain reported possible aircraft damage when high winds shifted the jet bridge position onto the aircraft fuselage while parked at the gate due to thunderstorms. The flight was deplaned and maintenance inspected the aircraft.

Narrative

I was operating flight ABCD on Day 0. Thunderstorms in the vicinity of ZZZ airport shut down ramp operations and we were waiting inside the aircraft for conditions to improve. Once the ramp opened up; my First Officer (FO) performed a walk-around and was informed that high winds had shifted the jet bridge and we should have maintenance take a look to ensure nothing had been damaged. I went back into the flight deck to contact maintenance to perform an inspection; alongside one other minor maintenance item.While I was writing up the report; I heard two sharp bangs on the fuselage of the aircraft. I went out to investigate and was informed that the jetbridge had struck the fuselage.I followed up by contacting Dispatch; station leads and various other members of the team to rectify the situation; and ultimately ended up deplaning the aircraft once it was confirmed safe to do so.Suggestions: I would suggest ground personnel responsible for operating the jetbridge review protocol for dealing with a situation in which the bridge is shifted by high winds.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.