Bad data partly to blame for Halifax cargo crash

Updated Thu. Jun. 29 2006 9:52 AM ET

Canadian Press

HALIFAX -- Incorrect data entered into takeoff software was partly to blame for the fiery crash of a Boeing 747 cargo plane in Halifax that killed seven crew members, the Transportation Safety Board said Thursday when it released its final report into the accident.

The board found that crew fatigue aboard the MK Airlines Ltd. jet "increased the probability" of making such a crucial mistake.

The report says the crew failed to notice that the throttles for the engines were set too low before the crash occurred in October 2004.

"Our investigation ... underscored the importance of well-rested, attentive and fully trained crews,'' said Wendy Tadros, the board's acting chairwoman. "It also showed us that airline companies must actively ensure that their crews adhere to proper procedures.''

MK Airlines, a British-based company, has said it believes the crew received adequate rest and that it provided them with adequate training.

Investigators had earlier concluded the heavily laden aircraft simply didn't have enough speed or power to make it off the runway.

The board is recommending that international aviation authorities require cargo aircraft to be equipped with a device that would sound an alarm when there is not enough power to take off safely.

"This investigation has shown that the problem we are addressing today is a pervasive problem,'' said Tadros. "Our recommendation has the potential to make air travel safer, not only here in Canada, but around the world.''

Tadros said the board found evidence of 12 similar accidents worldwide that cost 300 lives.

"This is why we believe we need an additional line of defence -- a mechanism to catch the unexpected errors,'' she told a news conference.

The MK Airlines plane, carrying lobsters and tractor parts, failed to lift off and dragged its tail along the runway before breaking up and erupting into flames in a wooded area near Halifax International Airport.

The plane's entire crew was killed, including Capt. Michael Thornycroft, a resident of South Africa, as well as Capt. David Lamb and flight engineers Pete Launder and Steve Hooper, all residents of Zimbabwe.

Also killed were ground engineer Mario Zahn, a German who lived in South Africa, and loadmaster Chris Strydom and first officer Gary Keough, both of Zimbabwe.