22.08.2026 11:30
It has emerged that two pilots fell asleep at the same time during a Kendari-Jakarta flight in Indonesia. While no radio contact could be established with the plane carrying 153 passengers and 6 crew members for approximately 28 minutes, the aircraft deviated from its planned route. After the pilots regained control, the flight was completed without incident.
It was determined that the captain and co-pilot fell asleep at the same time on an Airbus A320 passenger plane traveling from Kendari to Jakarta in Indonesia. During the incident, which occurred while the aircraft was cruising at 36,000 feet, repeated calls from air traffic control went unanswered.
DANGEROUS SLEEP AT 36,000 FEET
Upon reaching cruising altitude, the captain handed control of the aircraft to the co-pilot to rest for a short time. However, the co-pilot also succumbed to fatigue and fell asleep shortly afterward.
Thus began a critical period in which both pilots in the cockpit were asleep simultaneously. Although the autopilot system kept the aircraft on course, planned route changes could not be executed, and the aircraft began to deviate from its assigned flight path.
The air traffic control center made consecutive radio calls to reach the aircraft, but no response came from the cockpit. After approximately 28 minutes of communication loss, the pilots woke up, reestablished contact with air traffic control, and the aircraft was guided back to the correct route. In this way, a major disaster was averted on the aircraft, which carried 153 passengers and 6 crew members.
CO-PILOT HAD JUST BECOME A FATHER
Notable details emerged in the investigation launched after the incident. It was reported that the co-pilot had newborn twins and that his sleep pattern had been severely disrupted due to the moving process.
According to official records, the co-pilot had a 53-hour rest period before the flight. However, the investigation revealed that this period, which appeared compliant with regulations, did not mean the pilot had actually rested sufficiently.
The investigation reports also reflected that the pilot did not report his severe sleep deprivation to authorities before the duty.