Authorities in Indonesia are investigating how two pilots flying an Airbus A320 of Batik Air both fell asleep for around 28 minutes during a flight between Sulawesi to the capital Jakarta.
According to local media, both male pilots have been suspended from duty while the investigation takes place. One of the pilots had previously reported being tired due to looking after his newborn twins. However, medical tests that were carried out prior to the flight indicated that both pilots were fit to fly, with their blood pressure and heart rates showing within normal range and alcohol tests coming back negative.
The transport ministry's initial report indicates the captain told the co-pilot to take control of the aircraft approximately thirty minutes after take off, saying he needed to rest. The co-pilot confirmed he'd taken control. However, it would appear the co-pilot also fell asleep as well and the aircraft had started to drift off course.
Air traffic control at Jakarta had tried contacting the crew in the aircraft but got no response from the cockpit. That radio silence lasted around 28 minutes until the captain woke and found his first officer had also drifted off to sleep.
Batik Air said it "operates with adequate rest policy" advising that it was "committed to implement all safety recommendations".