Elevator Tab Control System

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FAA Aviation Safety SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SUBJ: Elevator Tab Control System SAIB: 2026-02 Date: January 21,2026 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin advises owners and operators of Textron Aviation Inc. Model 1900D airplanes of an airworthiness concern related to the elevator pitch trim actuator. The 1900D airplanes may be registered under other previous type certificate holders: Beechcraft Corporation, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft Company, or Beech Aircraft Corporation.

At this time, the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Background

The FAA was notified of an incident in which a Model 1900D experienced a pitch trim jam due to water freezing in and around the elevator trim actuator. The airplane had been in heavy rain on the ground prior to takeoff and experienced an autopilot trim fail (A/P TRIM FAIL) message and pitch upset at 20,000 feet while climbing. The crew was able to reduce column loads by adjusting engine power. On approach, pitch control improved below 6,000 ft. The crew observed a light flow of water through the drains located at the elevator and vertical stabilizer after landing. No icing was observed. Additional similar events have been reported as service difficulty reports.

In July 2003, Raytheon, the type certificate owner at the time, issued Service Bulletin 27-3032. This service bulletin specifies modification of the elevator trim tab actuators, replacement of the actuator spur gears with helical gears, modification of the actuator housings, grease type change, clarifies the procedure to set the servo clutch, and adds rod seals. Without the modifications, the existing elevator trim tab actuators are more likely to experience water ingress and freezing in flight, and consequent immobilization of the elevator trim system.

Recommendation

The FAA recommends all owners and operators of Textron Aviation Inc. Model 1900D airplanes, with serial numbers UE-2 through UE-423, perform the inspection and modification in accordance with Raytheon Aircraft Service Bulletin 27-3032, dated July 2003. The 1900D airplanes may be registered under other previous type certificate holders: Beechcraft Corporation, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft Company, or Beech Aircraft Corporation.

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For Further Information Contact

David Enns, Aviation Safety Engineer, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4147; email: [email protected].

For Related Service Information Contact

Textron Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS 67277; phone: (316) 517-5800; email: [email protected]; website: www.txtav.com.