Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to identify the type of fasteners installed on the upper longerons and upper fittings of the engine mounting structure (EMS), an inspection for discrepancies of certain fasteners, and corrective action if necessary. This AD was prompted by the discovery of blind fasteners installed in EMS upper fittings that do not meet the type design. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of blind fasteners that could cause crack development and vibration in the engine mount structure, which could lead to failure of the affected engine-mount-to-airplane structural connection and resultant detachment of an engine from the airplane when both sides of a nacelle are affected.