Indonesian airline Batik has taken disciplinary action against two pilots after they were found sleeping in the cockpit during a flight.
The incident occurred on January 25, aboard Batik Flight 6723 traveling from Kendari to Jakarta with 153 passengers on board. Allegedly, the co-pilot had urged the pilot to rest as he had not had a break during the previous flight from Jakarta to Kendari.
According to reports from the National Transportation Safety Commission, the pilot and co-pilot failed to respond to communications from air traffic controllers. It was noted that the aircraft veered off course towards the Indian Ocean after departing from Jakarta, prompting authorities to contact the Airbus A-320.
Upon awakening, the pilot discovered that both he and the co-pilot had fallen asleep, leading to the aircraft deviating from its intended route.
In the wake of this serious incident, an initial investigation report deemed the pilots’ actions as negligence, resulting in their suspension from duty pending further inquiry.
