AD 2021-09-11 Prompted By A Report Indicating That The Lefthand MLG Collapsed After Touchdown

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the lefthand main landing gear (MLG) collapsed after touchdown, causing severe damage to the airplane. This AD requires modifying the MLG hydraulic transfer valve, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective July 29, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0223, dated October 14, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0223) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 24, 2021 (86 FR 11184). The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that the left-hand MLG collapsed after touchdown, causing severe damage to the airplane. The NPRM proposed to require modifying the MLG hydraulic transfer valve, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0223.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address abnormal behavior of the MLG hydraulic transfer valve due to a restriction in hydraulic flow, which could cause the MLG hydraulic transfer valve to not function properly and fail to retract, extend, or lock the MLG, and possibly result in MLG collapse following landing and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov