No, the 'M' did not fall from the top of the U.S. Steel Tower.

But many who work in Downtown Pittsburgh have noticed the absence of a crucial letter from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's new 'UPMC' logo three weeks after the scheduled skyline transformation, prompting rumors about a dramatic tumble somehow kept secret.

The truth, according to sign designer Bill Kolano, is that wind and rain forced a cancellation of the 'M' after the 'U' and the 'P' went up May 3. Regarding the 28-foot-wide and 20-foot-tall 'M', which has the largest surface area of all four UPMC letters, a Sikorsky helicopter pilot "picked it up and lifted it off the ground a few feet" before making the decision to put the letter back down amid strong winds, according to Mr. Kolano of East Liberty-based Kolano Design.

"You need almost windless conditions to get it placed," he said.

On May 4, a second pilot did get up a 'C,' despite more rain, but did not attempt the 'M'.

"The helicopter company told us they chose the right size helicopter for the installation," said UPMC spokesman Paul Wood, in an e-mail. "However, they are looking to use a more powerful helicopter to secure the rest of the letters in a more efficient (i.e., faster) manner."

"We will move forward with the installation of the rest of the letters within the next couple of weeks," added Mr. Wood.

This coming weekend, however, is "unlikely."

Adding to the challenge of placing the sign atop all three sides of Pittsburgh's tallest office tower, where UPMC now has its headquarters, is the need for the nearby Mellon Arena to serve as a staging area. The Penguins' run through the NHL playoffs has tightened availability of that lot, as have other concerts and events. The sign is costing the nonprofit UPMC $750,000, according to a document submitted last year to the planning commission.

"A lot of stars have to be in alignment for this lift to take place," Mr. Kolano said.

First Published: May 27, 2008, 9:15 p.m.