Sleeping Indonesian pilots: A wake-up call for airline safety

Read article


In a recent revelation, an investigation has uncovered a concerning incident involving two Indonesian pilots who fell asleep mid-flight, leaving the aircraft unattended for nearly 30 minutes. The Batik Air flight, en route from South East Sulawesi to Jakarta on January 25th, experienced a lapse in vigilance as both the pilot and co-pilot dozed off simultaneously, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT).

Navigational errors and unharmed passengers

During the approximately 28 minutes of unintended slumber, the Airbus A320 encountered a series of navigation errors. Despite this unsettling episode, the 153 passengers and four flight attendants aboard the aircraft remained unharmed throughout the two-hour and 35-minute flight duration.

Reprimands and calls for vigilance

The Indonesian transport ministry has responded sternly, issuing a strong reprimand to Batik Air over the incident. Maria Kristi Endah Murni, the air transport director general, emphasized the need for airlines to prioritize their aircrew's rest time, signaling the critical role of fatigue management in ensuring flight safety. Urgent investigations and reviews of night flight operations across Indonesia have been called for to address such risks effectively.

Safety assurances and consequences

In response to the incident, Batik Air affirmed its commitment to safety, citing its adherence to adequate rest policies and pledging to implement all safety recommendations. However, the pilots involved have faced temporary suspensions pending further inquiries. The KNKT report highlighted that one of the pilots had not received sufficient rest the night before the flight, raising concerns about pre-flight preparation and fatigue management protocols.

Approximately 90 minutes after takeoff, the captain requested permission from the co-pilot to rest briefly, a request that was granted. However, both pilots inadvertently succumbed to sleep, leaving the aircraft momentarily unmanned. The report revealed that the co-pilot, who had one-month-old twin babies, was likely affected by fatigue due to family responsibilities.

The gravity of the situation became apparent when the air control center in Jakarta attempted to establish contact with the aircraft, receiving no response. It was only 28 minutes later that the pilot regained consciousness, realizing the lapse and swiftly correcting the flight path. The incident underscores the vital importance of maintaining vigilance and ensuring adequate rest among flight crews, especially during critical phases of flight.

Lessons learned and safety measures

While the pilots involved remain unidentified, KNKT has urged Batik Air to implement regular cockpit checks and prioritize the well-being of both pilots and cabin crew before flights. These measures aim to mitigate the risks associated with fatigue-related incidents and enhance overall flight safety standards.

In conclusion, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the indispensable role of alertness and preparedness in aviation safety. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, robust fatigue management strategies and stringent safety protocols must remain paramount to uphold the trust and confidence of passengers worldwide.

Latest posts

Rome airports team up with Too Good To Go in an initiative against food waste

Airports in Rome have turned to the Danish Too Good To Go, an advocate for reducing leftover food.

Japan's Kansai Airport sets a remarkable precedent: Zero lost luggage

According to Forbes, Kansai Airport takes less than 15 minutes to transport luggage from the plane to the baggage claim.

Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9 dreamliner business class from Doha to Tokyo

This daily service caters to the growing demand for business and leisure travel between Doha and Asia.

About MYFLYRIGHT

MYFLYRIGHT is a legal tech company, specialized in the support of airline passengers affected by flight delays, flight cancellations, denied boarding, delayed or lost luggage and the refund of unused airline tickets. MYFLYRIGHT was founded 2016 in Hamburg, Germany. The company operates out of 3 offices, its headquarter in Hamburg and its branches in Prague, Czech Republic and Zaporizhia, Ukraine. Currently, MYFLYRIGHT employs a team of around 25 people working in Marketing, Operations, Legal, Customer Support and IT. The organization operates across 5 markets – Germany, United Kingdom, Romania, Austria, and Switzerland.

MYFLYRIGHT’s goal is to provide access to justice for all aviation passengers who experience irregularities in their flight transportation. Notably, 75% of all compensation requests submitted by passengers get rejected. Whereas, MYFLYRIGHT is able to successfully execute the applicable customer claims in more than 98% of cases at court.

Check your passenger rights

cancelled

Flight cancellation

Claim up to 600 €*
boarding

Denied boarding

Claim up to 600 €*

*less our commission

Latest posts

Rome airports team up with Too Good To Go in an initiative against food waste

Japan's Kansai Airport sets a remarkable precedent: Zero lost luggage

Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9 dreamliner business class from Doha to Tokyo

delayed

Flight delay

In case of a 3 hours flight delay at arrival

More Check
cancelled

Flight cancellation

In case of a cancelled flight 14 days before departure

More Check
boarding

Denied boarding

In case of overbooking / denied boarding

More Check
lost

Delayed / Lost luggage

In case of arriving without the luggage

More Check
gate-closed

Ticket refund

In case of a missed / not boarded flight

More Check
Get up to 600 €* in compensation
Check claim for free Check