AD/SF340/98 Main Landing Gear Shock Strut Uplock Axle (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes

AD/SF340/98 Main Landing Gear Shock Strut Uplock Axle 2/2006

Applicability:

Model SF340A aircraft, serial numbers 004 through 159.

Model 340B aircraft, serial numbers 160 through 459.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with SAAB Aircraft AB Service Bulletin SAAB 340-32-132, dated 3 November 2005, or later CAA approved revision.

Note:  Swedish CAA AD AD 1-199 refers.

Compliance:

Before 9 May 2006.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 16 February 2006.

Background:

A report was received of a cracked main landing gear shock strut uplock axle.  The cause was determined to be hydrogen embrittlement.  All uplock axles produced in the same batch are to be removed from service and scrapped.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

21 December 2005