On 15th August, both pilots of an Ethiopian Airlines flight reportedly fell asleep in flight and only woke up after an alarm from the autopilot disconnection.

The Boeing 737-800 with registration ET-AOB was performing flight ET343 from Khartoum to Addis Ababa when the unusual event occurred. As reported by the Aviation Herald, the aircraft was en route at 37,000 feet when the pilots fell asleep. After the pilots fell asleep, the aircraft continued past the top of the descent maintaining the same altitude. They continued for an approach to Addis Ababa’s runway 25L without descending.

The ATC controller unsuccessfully tried to contact the crew members multiple times. After overflying above the runway it was meant to land, the autopilot disconnected, and the wailer woke the crew up. The pilots then maneuvered the aircraft for a safe landing without any further incident some 25 minutes after overflying the runway at 37,000 feet.

The Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) confirmed the occurrence and the flight path confirmed that the aircraft overflew the runway at FL370 before it began to descend and maneuver for another approach.

Even though the airline has not publicly commented on the event, the flight has raised concerns about pilot fatigue. Aviation professionals and enthusiasts commented on the incident saying it was ‘unprofessional’ and ‘dangerous.’

Commenting on the event, aviation analyst Alex Macheras described it as “deeply concerning” and raised concern about pilot fatigue.

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.”

Even though such events are rare, it’s not the only incident in recent months. Earlier in April, a similar incident took place on an ITA Airways flight from New York-JFK to Rome.

The ITA Airways Airbus A330 was cruising at 38,000 feet with around 250 passengers on board when both pilots fell asleep. The ATC tower told them that they lost contact with the aircraft for around 10 minutes. After they failed to contact the pilots, the ATC began to prepare fighter jets to intercept the plane. However, the connection was eventually established in the meantime.

A thorough investigation later found that the first officer was sleeping during his break, but the captain had fallen asleep. The aircraft landed safely in Rome without any further incident and the captain was fired.

Based in Nepal, Sharad has a passion for data-driven analysis with a strong focus on aviation and travel. Having written for Airlive, Travel Radar, Aviation Nepal and others, he aims to improve his content and knowledge on Sam Chui Aviation and Travel.

Dear Sam I will like to tell you about the disappointments for Singapore airlines flying from Istanbul to Sydney the first flight was fine not as good as usual. The second flight was Singapore to Sydney on the A350 900. It was the most disgusting flight I have ever done with Singapore air lines. I was flying Business class as I always do well believe me if I tell you I had seat A14 but I couldn’t get in to seat down in was so narrow that I couldn’t get one leg in I had to change with my wife she was in A15. Then to top it all I asked for a coffee and a croissant only to be told no croissant available because there is no breakfast. I think it is disgusting to be charged all that money for business class and go with out food. Thanking you Con Seltsikas

Only fly on planes with an “N” as the first character in their registration.

Too bad this didn’t happen before the 737 Max crash, then Boeing could have had a chance at passing the blame!

Sam, how common an occurence do you think this is, both pilots falling asleep? I mean it’s not exactly something that airlines would be pleased to publicise!

This is a terrifying article! Don’t cabinet attendants frequently go into the copit to bring meals and drinks etc? They would rouse the sleeping pilots you would think.

Your email address will not be published.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.