KUALA LUMPUR – The Indonesian aviation safety agency is calling for enhanced pilot fatigue monitoring systems following an investigation uncovering an alarming incident where both pilots of a commercial aircraft fell asleep during a flight.
An investigation by the agency has found that both pilots dozed off for around 28 minutes during a Batik Air flight from South East Sulawesi to Jakarta on January 25, AFP reported.
The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) released a preliminary report, prompting calls for enhanced pilot fatigue monitoring mechanisms.
Despite Indonesia’s extensive use of air transport to connect its islands, the nation grapples with a poor air safety record, and the incident sheds light on the urgency of addressing safety concerns.
The report, accessible on the agency’s website since late February, highlighted that one of the pilots had insufficient rest the night before the flight, contributing to a lapse in vigilance.
This oversight resulted in navigation errors, though the Airbus A320’s 153 passengers and four flight attendants emerged unharmed during the two-hour-and-35-minute flight.
Soon after take-off, the captain sought permission from the co-pilot to take a break, which was granted. Unexpectedly, the co-pilot also succumbed to sleep, according to the report.
“The second-in-command had one-month twin babies. His wife took care of the babies, and he assisted while at home,” the report said.
Approximately 28 minutes after the last recorded transmission by the co-pilot, the Jakarta area control centre attempted to contact the aircraft to no avail.
The pilot eventually woke up, realising the lapse, and promptly took corrective actions to restore the proper flight path. The aircraft had landed safely following the incident, according to AFP.
The investigators did not disclose the pilots’ identities but mentioned they were aged 32 and 28 and of Indonesian nationality.
In response to the incident, KNKT has urged Batik Air to establish comprehensive procedures for conducting regular cockpit checks and ensuring that pilots and cabin crew are adequately rested before flights. – March 8, 2024