Air carrier flight crew reported a safety concern of a crane identified on NOTAMs; located off the end of the runway centerline; as a potential hazard impacting the flight path clearance height for non-normal takeoff conditions.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported a safety concern of a crane identified on NOTAMs; located off the end of the runway centerline; as a potential hazard impacting the flight path clearance height for non-normal takeoff conditions.
Narrative
Aircraft X was in Position and Hold about XA:20 for SFO 01R RNAV Departure on the TRUKN2 SYRAH departure Procedure. On taxi out from ramp I mentioned to the First Officer (FO) on sight of a building low fog layer; giving importance to what we were about to observe on takeoff; and my concern for this incident in actual IMC or night. As we were cleared into position on the runway; as Captain (PF) I then noted visually the crane that appeared to be on runway centerline; and fully erected to appear to be a potential climb out conflict for this heavy weight and full aircraft. Pilot flying (PF) and pilot monitoring (PM) discussed this obstacle; potential visual maneuvering to avoid; and reviewed all SFO NOTAMs. One Obstacle NOTAM appeared to be for cranes off centerline; and another NOTAM for a crane on centerline giving us confirmation bias that we met legal takeoff performance and NOTAM compliance; if not safe operation. Mentally prepared for this object to be a conflict despite NOTAMs and clearance for takeoff I wanted to note the amount of clearance given our Aircraft X being full of pax and heavy weight (176.0 approximately planned/assumed 176.5 / 178.4 max to). I observed crossing the crane at less than 1nm from departure threshold with 400 radio altitude observed. Feeling this was either too close for observed or actual performance; and considering potential for other aircraft possible poor technique; late rotation; or an actual engine failure - PF and PM debriefed the object clearance in the climb and I decided to notify Dispatch and Chief Pilot so operations could verify and be alert to my concern. We confirmed climb performance via dispatch message and verified all NOTAMs were complied with. We feel our departure was legal in planning; and the intent was legal; with this report being an observed safety concern certainly if actual IMC or night with anything less than good technique. The Crane appeared to be within 1nm of departure end; and while legal 300' per nm; the math appears to be correct that we crossed with less than 150' to 200' vertical.
Second reporter narrative
We were cleared to position and hold on Runway 01R for the TRUKN2 departure procedure. As we turned onto the runway the PF observed a fully erect crane (170AGL per the NOTAM) roughly half a mile off the departure end and directly on runway centerline. We double checked NOTAMs and confirmed the crane was listed for obstacle clearance and takeoff performance. On takeoff; we observed crossing the crane at roughly 400RA (Radio Altimeter). At cruise we had a discussion and felt that Tower could have been a factor for single engine performance or during takeoff in IMC conditions.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.