EASA AD No.: 2011-0003 

EASA Form 110 Page 1/2

EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 

AD No.: 2011-0003 

Date: 17 January 2011 

Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with 

Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States and 

of the European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of 

that Regulation.

This AD is issued in accordance with EC 1702/2003, Part 21A.3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the 

continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate 

an aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD unless otherwise specified by the Agency 

[EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption]. 

Type Approval Holder’s Name : 

SAAB AB, Aeronautics 

Type/Model designation(s) : 

SF340A and 340B aeroplanes 

TCDS Number : EASA.A.068 

Foreign AD : Not applicable 

Supersedure : None 

ATA 32 Landing Gear – Main Landing Gear Separation Bolt Harness – 

Replacement 

Manufacturer(s): SAAB AB, Aeronautics (formerly Saab Aircraft AB). 

Applicability: SF340A and 340B aeroplanes, all serial numbers. 

Reason: In 2003, a number of reports had been received concerning broken wires 

and corroded connectors in the SAAB 340 main landing gear (MLG) 

emergency release system. The investigation results showed that these 

were due to improper repairs and installations, not conforming to the 

approved type design. 

This condition, if not corrected, could inhibit the functioning of the separation 

bolt, preventing proper release of the MLG during an emergency situation, 

possibly resulting in damage to aeroplane during landing and injury to the 

occupants. 

To address that unsafe condition, Swedish AD (SAD) 1-186 was issued to 

require an inspection and, depending on findings, corrective action, in 

accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin (SB) 340-32-127. 

Subsequently, Saab introduced a modification to ensure correct functioning 

of the MLG emergency release system. Accomplishment of that modification 

(SAAB SB 340-32-128) was made mandatory by SAD 1-189. 

Since that AD was issued, service experience has shown that this 

modification does not fully meet the expected results. 

Prompted by these findings, SAAB has developed an improved separation 
EASA AD No.: 2011-0003 

EASA Form 110 Page 2/2

bolt harness with a new routing. 

For the reasons described above, this AD requires replacement of the 

current separation bolt harness Part Number (P/N) 7292520-678 with the 

improved unit, P/N 7292520-691. 

Effective Date: 31 January 2011 

Required Action(s) 

and Compliance 

Time(s): 

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously: 

(1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the 

separation bolt harness P/N 7292520-678 with a separation bolt 

harness P/N 7292520-691, in accordance with the instructions of SAAB 

SB 340-32-139. 

(2) After modification of an aeroplane as required by paragraph (1) of this 

AD, do not install a separation bolt harness P/N 7292520-678 on that 

aeroplane. 

Ref. Publications: SAAB SB 340-32-139 dated 12 January 2010, or Revision 01 dated 

01 November 2010. 

The use of later approved revisions of this document is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD. 

Remarks : 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve 

Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD. 

2. This AD was posted on 17 November 2010 as PAD 10-116 for 

consultation until 15 December 2010. No comments were received 

during the consultation period. 

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Airworthiness 

Directives, Safety Management & Research Section, Certification 

Directorate, EASA. E-mail ADs@easa.europa.eu. 

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements 

in this AD, please contact: 

Saab AB, Aeronautics, Bröderna Ugglas gata, 

SE-581 88 Linköping, Sweden 

Telephone: +46 13 185591, Fax: +46 13 184874 

E-mail: saab340.techsupport@saabgroup.com.