Accident Details
On June 9, 2012, at approximately 0930 Pacific daylight time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A glider, registration N2061T, was substantially damaged after colliding with an airport sign at Truckee-Tahoe Airport (TRK) in Truckee, California. The certified commercial pilot, occupying the front seat, and his sole passenger in the rear seat, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident and was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Report
In a written statement and subsequent telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on runway 19, he was unable to lift the left wing before the wing tip struck the 3,000-foot runway distance remaining sign. The outboard section of the left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated he was able to release from the tow airplane in time but could not stop before colliding with the sign. He attributed the accident to a sudden and strong wind gust from behind the glider, noting that at the time, the wind was variable at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots. The pilot also mentioned that the sign had been an obstruction since airport crew moved it from behind the takeoff area to in front of the takeoff area.
Sign Location
During the investigation, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector provided documentation from an FAA civil engineer assigned to the San Francisco Airports District Office. The engineer referenced FAA Advisory Circular 150/5340-18F, Chapter 2, Runway Distance Remaining Signs, and determined that the sign's location was in compliance with the distance requirements outlined in the advisory circular.