Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B and Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to determine if certain switches are installed on the fire handle of the fire handle assembly; and replacement of the fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that, during manufacture, a batch of defective switches were installed on certain fire handle panels on these airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure the proper switches are installed in the fire handle assembly. A defective switch in the fire handle assembly could prematurely fail and, consequently, prevent the proper operation of the engine fire protection system in the event of a fire.