The pilots of the plane fell asleep and woke up when the autopilot was turned off. There was an unusual event when the plane was performing from Khartoum to Ethiopia. The pilots fell asleep when the plane was at 37,000 feet. The aircraft kept the same altitude after the pilots fell asleep. They did not descend for an approach to the runway. The controller tried to contact the crew several times. The autopilot disconnected and the crew woke up when they heard the wailer. After overflying the runway, the pilots maneuvered the plane for a safe landing. The ADS-B confirmed that the aircraft overflew the runway before it began to descend and maneuver for another landing. The flight raised concerns about pilot fatigue even though the airline has not commented. The incident was commented on by aviation professionals and enthusiasts. Aviation analyst Alex Macheras was concerned about pilot fatigue and commented on the event. Deeply concerning incident at Africa’s largest airline — Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 #ET343 was still at cruising altitude of 37,000ft by the time it reached destination Addis Ababa Why hadn’t it started to descend for landing? Both pilots were asleep. https://t.co/cPPMsVHIJD pic.twitter.com/RpnxsdtRBf
“Pilot fatigue is nothing new, and continues to pose one of the most significant threats to air safety – internationally.”
Alex Macheras, Aviation Analyst
It is not the only occurrence in recent months. There was an incident on an ITA Airways flight from New York to Rome in April.
The pilots fell asleep while the plane was cruising at 38,000 feet. They were told by the ATC tower that they lost contact with the plane. Fighter jets were prepared to intercept the plane after they failed to communicate with the pilots. The connection was finally established in the meantime.
The first officer was sleeping when the captain fell asleep. The captain was fired after the plane made a safe landing in Rome.
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