Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14589 · Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B Airplanes
Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B Airplanes
This AD applies to SAAB Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes, certificated in any category; serial numbers SAAB SF340A-004 through -159 inclusive, and SAAB 340B-160 through -459 inclusive.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection to see if a faulty uplock axle for the shock strut of the main landing gear (MLG) is installed, and replacing the uplock axle with a new uplock axle if necessary. This AD results from a report of a cracked uplock axle caused by hydrogen embrittlement during the manufacturing process. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the uplock mechanism, which, combined with a loss of hydraulic pressure, could result in an uncommanded extension of the MLG.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the uplock axle of the MLG shock strut to determine whether an affected serial number (S/N) is installed. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the S/N of the uplock axle can be conclusively determined from that review. Do the inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-132, dated November 3, 2005.
Note 1: The Saab service bulletin refers to APPH Service Bulletins AIR83022-32-31, Revision 1; and AIR83064-32-11, Revision 1; both dated October 2005; as additional sources of service information for identifying uplock axles with affected S/Ns, and replacing the axles if necessary. The APPH service bulletins are attached to the Saab service bulletin.
Before further flight after accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Replace with a new uplock axle any uplock axle with an affected S/N identified by the inspection in paragraph (f) of this AD. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-132, dated November 3, 2005.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an uplock axle on any airplane if it has an affected S/N identified in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD.
(i) Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-132, dated November 3, 2005, specify to send a report with the S/N of replaced uplock axles to APPH Ltd., this AD does not include that requirement.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
