On September 1, 1999, approximately 1615 mountain daylight time, an Aeronca Chief 11BC, N86096, was substantially damaged during takeoff when the left wing strut impacted an airport sign at Heber City Municipal Airport, Heber City, Utah. The private pilot, the sole occupant in the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was being operated by the pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight which was originating at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on runway 21, a gust of wind lifted the right wing. He reduced power to idle, but the airplane departed the left side of the runway and impacted an airport "light stand." The pilot had the airplane examined by a mechanic, then continued the flight the following morning. The airplane's left rear strut was subsequently replaced. The pilot reported that the "light stand" was approximately 630 feet from the point where power was first applied, and approximately 54 feet left of the runway's edge.