Almost Tragedy
Air Pilots Fall Asleep on 153 Passengers Flight
In a startling revelation that has sent ripples through the aviation industry, two pilots aboard a Batik Air flight were found to have fallen asleep simultaneously, leaving the aircraft unattended for approximately 28 minutes. The incident, which occurred on January 25, 2024, during a flight from Southeast Sulawesi to Jakarta, has prompted Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) to launch a comprehensive investigation.
The flight, carrying 153 passengers and four flight attendants, was en route to Jakarta when, about half an hour after takeoff, the captain requested a brief rest from the second-in-command (SIC), a request that was granted. However, in a turn of events that could have ended in catastrophe, the co-pilot, who took over the controls, also succumbed to sleep. This left the Airbus A320 without active piloting, cruising on autopilot while air traffic control's attempts to communicate went unanswered.
The situation was discovered when the pilot-in-command (PIC) awoke, realizing both the deviation from the intended flight path and that his co-pilot was also asleep. Quick action was taken to correct the course, and the flight landed safely in Jakarta without further incident. The KNKT report disclosed that one of the pilots had not had sufficient rest the night before due to personal responsibilities, highlighting the critical issue of pilot fatigue.
This incident has cast a spotlight on the dangers of pilot fatigue, a concern that has been on the radar of aviation safety organizations worldwide. Fatigue can significantly impair a pilot's cognitive and physical abilities, increasing the risk of errors. The European Cockpit Association (ECA) recently reported that 3 out of 4 pilots had experienced at least one microsleep while operating an aircraft in the past four weeks, with a quarter reporting five or more such instances.
The KNKT's findings have prompted calls for airlines to pay closer attention to their aircrew's rest time and for a review of night flight operations in Indonesia related to fatigue risk management. Batik Air, in response, stated its commitment to implementing all safety recommendations and emphasized its adherence to adequate rest policies. The pilots involved in the January 25 incident have been temporarily suspended pending further investigation.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of managing pilot fatigue and ensuring that safety protocols are rigorously followed. It underscores the need for airlines to implement comprehensive fatigue risk management systems and for pilots to prioritize rest to maintain the highest levels of alertness and safety. As the investigation continues, the aviation community awaits the findings and recommendations that will emerge, hopeful that this close call leads to meaningful changes that enhance the safety of air travel.