EASA AD No.: 2013-0172R1

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EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

AD No.: 2013-0172R1

Date: 06 September 2013

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 EU 748/2012, Part 21.A.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].

Design Approval Holder’s Name:

SAAB AB, AERONAUTICS

Type/Model designation(s):

2000 aeroplanes

TCDS Number: EASA.A.069

Foreign AD: Not applicable

Revision: This AD revises EASA Emergency AD 2013-0172-E dated 30 July 2013.

ATA 38 Water / Waste – Potable Water System – Deactivation

Manufacturer(s): Saab AB, Aeronautics (formerly SAAB Aerosystems)

Applicability: Model 2000 aeroplanes, serial numbers (s/n) 004 through 016 inclusive, s/n 

018, 022, 023, 024, 026, 029, 031, 032 and 033, s/n 035 through 039 

inclusive, s/n 041 through 044 inclusive, s/n 046, 047, 048 and 051, and s/n 

053 through 063 inclusive.

Reason: One occurrence of rudder pedal restriction has been reported on a SAAB 2000 

aeroplane. Subsequent investigation showed that this was the result of water 

leakage at the inlet tubing for the in-line heater (25HY) in the lower part of the 

forward fuselage (Zone 116). The in-line heater attachment was found 

ruptured, which resulted in water spraying in the area. Frozen water on the 

rudder control mechanism in Zone 116 then led to the rudder pedal restriction.

Analysis after the reported event indicates that the pitch control mechanism 

(including pitch disconnect/spring unit) may also be frozen as a result of water 

spray, which would prevent disconnection and normal pitch control.

This condition, if not corrected, could result in further occurrences of reduced 

control of an aeroplane.

Prompted by these findings, as a temporary action to avoid this potential 

unsafe condition, SAAB determined that the potable water system should be 

deactivated. SAAB is working on a solution that is expected to eliminate the 

consequences of water spraying in the area.

To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued Emergency AD 2013-0172-E 

to require deactivation of the Potable Water System.

Since that AD was issued, SAAB developed a temporary alternative procedure 
EASA AD No.: 2013-0172R1

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Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.

for filling, reactivation and continued operation of the potable water system. 

This procedure includes a visual inspection to make sure that there is no water 

spray in the lower part of the forward fuselage (Zone 116) during refilling of the 

potable water. 

For the reasons described above, this AD is revised to allow application of the 

alternative filling procedure of the Potable Water System.

This AD is still considered to be an interim action and further AD action may 

follow.

Effective Date: Revision 1: 06 September 2013

Original issue: 01 August 2013

Required Action(s) 

and Compliance

Time(s):

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously:

(1) Within 30 days after 01 August 2013 [the effective date of the original 

issue of this AD], deactivate the potable water system in accordance with 

the instructions of SAAB Service Bulletin (SB) 2000-38-010.

(2) As an alternative, or subsequent, to the action required by paragraph (1) 

of this AD, during each filling of the Potable Water System after the 

effective date of this AD, accomplish the filling procedure in accordance 

with instructions of SAAB Service News Letter (SNL) 2000-1304, which 

allows reactivation of the Potable Water System.

Ref. Publications: SAAB SB 2000-38-010 original issue, dated 12 July 2013.

SAAB SNL 2000-1304 original issue, dated 30 August 2013.

The use of later approved revisions of these documents 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. Based on the required actions and the compliance time, EASA have 

decided to issue a Final AD with Request for Comments, postponing the 

public consultation process until after publication.

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Safety Information 

Section, Executive 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, Support and Services

SE-581 88 Linköping, Sweden

Fax: +46 13 184874

E-mail: saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com.