A pilot and a co-pilot of Indonesian airline Batik Air fell asleep for nearly half an hour during a 2-hour 35-minute flight from Southeast Sulawesi to Jakarta.

The incident, which occurred on Jan. 25, 2024, has led to a stern warning for the airline and an investigation by the Indonesian Transport Ministry into the airline on the quality of rest for pilots and flight crew on Mar. 9, 2024.

Pilot and co-pilot fell asleep for about 28 minutes

The pilot and co-pilot fell asleep for approximately 28 minutes on Batik Air flight BTK6723 while they were on route to their flight destination in Jakarta, The Star reported.

Around half an hour after the plane took off, the captain asked the co-pilot for permission to rest for a while, which was then granted, AFP reported.

The co-pilot, who was assisting his wife with taking care of their one-month twin babies when he was home, inadvertently fell asleep.

The area control centre in Jakarta attempted tried to contact the aircraft, and received no answer.

28 minutes after, the pilot woke up and realised the aircraft was no longer on the correct flight path.

He immediately woke his co-pilot up, responded to the calls from Jakarta and corrected the flight path.

The incident caused navigational errors as the aircraft flew off-course on its approach to Java Island, as reported by ANTARA News.

The 153 passengers and four flight attendants on-board were unharmed, and the aircraft landed safely with no damages.

Both pilots are now grounded following internal procedures.

Indonesian Transport Ministry to conduct an investigation

On Mar. 9, Indonesian Transport Ministry's Director General M. Kristi Endah Murni stated it will conduct an investigation and review of the night flight operation in Indonesia regarding the Fatigue Risk Management for Batik Air and other flight operators.

Emphasis was also made on airlines' need to be attentive to the timing and quality of rest for their pilots and other flight crew members, which could affect the level of alertness during a flight.

Flight crews of BTK6723 are also grounded according to the standard operation procedure as the ministry conducts further investigation.

In a report by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), it recommended Batik Air to develop detailed procedures for ensuring that cockpit checks can be implemented properly.

It also suggests that the airline develop detailed guidance and procedures for ensuring that the "IM SAFE" personal checklist can be used to properly assess pilots' physical and mental condition.

Top image via Canva.