Jakarta, Indonesia – A report released by Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee revealed a harrowing incident where two pilots aboard a Batik Air flight fell asleep simultaneously, resulting in the plane deviating from its intended flight path. The aircraft was carrying a total of 157 individuals, including 153 passengers and four crew members, on a journey from South East Sulawesi to Jakarta.
According to the report, the pilots, a 32-year-old Indonesian and a 28-year-old Indonesian, had both passed health checks and tested negative for alcohol before the flight. When the plane reached a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet, the pilot in command requested permission to rest, falling asleep for about an hour before waking up.
Upon waking, the pilot offered the second in command the opportunity to rest, but the offer was declined. However, the second pilot inadvertently fell asleep as well, causing a lack of response when air traffic control attempted to make contact with the aircraft.
After 28 minutes of silence, the first pilot regained consciousness and realized that the plane was off course. They promptly corrected the flight path, ensuring a safe landing in Jakarta without any injuries or damage to the plane. The incident highlighted the potential dangers of fatigue among airline crew members, a long-standing issue in the aviation industry.
In response to the incident, the Transportation Ministry issued a strong reprimand to Batik Air, promising a thorough investigation and review of night flight operations in Indonesia to address Fatigue Risk Management. The airline confirmed that the two pilots involved had been temporarily suspended pending further investigation. Globally, the aviation industry continues to grapple with fatigue-related issues among flight crew, emphasizing the importance of proper rest and safety protocols.