Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. This action requires inspections to detect cracking of the lower rib of the rudder, and repair, if necessary. This action also provides for an optional terminating action, which, if accomplished, terminates the repetitive inspection requirement. This amendment is prompted by reports of fatigue cracking of the lower rib of the rudder. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such fatigue cracking and subsequent failure of the primary structure of the rudder, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.