The Indonesian transport ministry has launched an investigation into Batik Air following an incident where both the pilot and co-pilot were asleep simultaneously for about 28 minutes during a recent domestic flight from South East Sulawesi province to Jakarta on Jan 25.
As per a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) dated Feb 27 but only made public recently, it was revealed that one of the pilots had inadequate rest the night before the flight due to attending to his twin babies the day prior.
Despite resulting in navigation errors, the situation did not pose any danger to the 153 passengers and four flight attendants onboard the Airbus A320 during the two-hour, 35-minute flight.
The report mentioned that the incident occurred around 30 minutes post-takeoff when the captain asked for a brief break from the co-pilot, a request that was granted. Subsequently, the co-pilot took control of the aircraft but unintentionally fell asleep as well.
After there was no response to inquiries from Jakarta air traffic control and various attempts to establish contact, it was discovered that both pilots were asleep. The pilot eventually woke up, realized the situation, corrected the flight path, and safely landed the plane after 28 minutes of unresponsiveness.
The transport ministry has condemned Batik Air for the incident, emphasizing the importance of ensuring sufficient rest for the flight crews. Batik Air, a part of Lion Air Group, stated that it follows proper rest policies and is dedicated to incorporating all safety suggestions.
The two Indonesian pilots, aged 32 and 28, involved in the incident have been temporarily suspended although their names were not disclosed.
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