Pilots fall asleep in mid-air nightmare, aircraft veers off course with 157 passengers

The plane eventually landed safely in Jakarta, with no harm to passengers or crew reported. (Representational)

Two pilots at the helm of a Batik Air flight carrying 157 passengers recently dozed off simultaneously, leading the aircraft to deviate from its assigned course in Indonesia. The startling revelation comes from a preliminary report by Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee, outlining a 28-minute lapse that jeopardized the lives of those on board.

The incident occurred on January 25 during a routine Batik Air flight from Kendari to Jakarta. The report refrains from identifying the pilots involved, providing only their age and nationality—32-year-old Indonesian as the pilot in command and a 28-year-old Indonesian as the second in command. Both pilots were declared fit to fly, having passed rigorous health checks and alcohol tests.

Upon reaching a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet, approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, the pilot in command sought permission from the deputy for a short rest, a request that was granted. Astonishingly, both pilots soon fell asleep, leaving the aircraft in a perilous situation. The first pilot awoke nearly an hour later, leaving the second in command in control.

As the flight made contact with Jakarta's area control centre, the second pilot also nodded off, leading to a critical breakdown in communication. Multiple attempts by the control centre to reach the crew proved futile, sparking concerns about the aircraft's safety.

"Several attempts to contact BTK6723 had been made by the Jakarta ACC, including asking other pilots to call the BTK6723," the report highlighted. "None of the calls were responded to by the BTK6723 pilots."

It wasn't until 28 minutes later that the first pilot regained consciousness, realizing the aircraft had deviated from its designated route. Swift corrective action was taken, and the plane eventually landed safely in Jakarta, with no harm to passengers or crew reported.

The second pilot, who had been caring for 1-month-old twins, faced sleep struggles, and had relocated just a day before the flight. The incident prompted a strong reprimand from Indonesia's civil aviation director, Maria Kristi Endah Murni, directed at Batik Air.

AFP reported that the two pilots have been "temporarily suspended," and the airline, Batik Air, is yet to respond to inquiries.