11.03.2024 17:57
(Akt. 11.03.2024 19:12)
One of the men became the father of twins just a month ago. ©AFP (archive image), Canva
Both pilots fell asleep during a commercial flight in Indonesia. The incident, which occurred at the end of January, ended lightly – but now has consequences.
The local Batik Air plane with 153 passengers on board was on its way from Kendari on the island of Sulawesi to the capital Jakarta when the captain (32) asked his co-pilot (28) to rest after take-off. But then the co-pilot also nodded off.
No communication for 28 minutes
The man became the father of twins just a month ago, the Transportation Safety Authority (KNKT) reported. NKT). Authorities said there was no communication with the cockpit for 28 minutes, at the same time the plane went off course. Then the captain woke up and noticed that his first officer was also asleep. He regained contact with the ground and corrected the flight path.
Both pilots temporarily suspended
Batik Air said the two pilots had been temporarily suspended from duty as a “preventive measure.” The company takes safety on all flights and a thorough investigation of the incidents very seriously, wrote Batik Air. The airline is committed to complying with all recommendations of the aviation safety authority.
Staff must get enough sleep
The KNKT spoke of a “serious incident” and used this as an opportunity to demand stricter controls on all flights in the country. Airlines must conduct regular cockpit checks and ensure their staff get enough sleep, the report said.