Two Decades After Halifax Cargo Plane Crash, Safety Concerns Persist

Despite the tragic 2004 crash highlighting issues of crew fatigue and training, significant safety improvements remain unimplemented.

The MK Airlines crash in Halifax on October 14, 2004, resulted in the deaths of seven crew members, raising alarms about aviation safety standards.
Investigations revealed that crew fatigue and inadequate training contributed to the crash, with errors in takeoff data due to improper use of software.
MK Airlines, which went out of business in 2010, faced lawsuits from victims' families, but questions remain about lasting changes in safety practices.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada's recommendation for a takeoff monitoring system has not yet been realized, and crew fatigue remains a critical concern.
New regulations in Canada have since limited pilot duty hours, but there are calls for more comprehensive fatigue management systems.