Citilink Revealed Chronology Of Sick Pilot On Airplane And Return To Juanda Airport Surabaya

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Citilink Indonesia spoke about an aircraft with flight number QG307 turning back at Juanda Airport, Surabaya.

The emergency landing incident was carried out because the pilot suddenly became ill after taking off from the airport.

President Director of PT Citilink Indonesia, Dewa Kadek Rai, explained the chronology.

He said the plane with flight number QG307 for the Surabaya-Ujung Pandang route departed according to schedule at 06.00 WIB.

After approximately 15 minutes in the air, the flight landed again in Surabaya.

"Because our pilot experienced a health emergency. The plane has landed again at 07.00 WIB at Juanda International Airport, Surabaya, well and safely", he said when confirmed by VOI, Thursday, July 21.

After the emergency landing was carried out, said Dewa, ground officers together with all stakeholders at Juanda Airport in Surabaya had prepared procedures for handling health emergency evacuations very quickly and well.

"The pilot has been treated by a doctor at a nearby hospital", he said.

Passengers Flown Back on Different Planes

Dewa explained that Citilink Indonesia officers in Surabaya have also informed and provided explanations to passengers and provided on-ground service, and passengers can receive the information properly.

"To ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, Citilink Indonesia has replaced the aircraft and the entire crew, and the flight has been flown back at 10.46 WIB", he said.

Furthermore, Dewa emphasized that before flying, Citilink Indonesia had carried out health check procedures for all crew on duty, and were declared fit or airworthy.

"Based on the results of the doctor's examination from the local hospital, it was conveyed that our pilot was declared dead", he said. Citilink management, continued Dewa, expressed his deepest condolences for the pilot's departure. During his lifetime, the pilot was known to be very good and had high dedication during his service.

"We also apologize profusely for the inconvenience. The deceased will be flown directly today from Surabaya to Jakarta and the body will be buried in Jakarta by the applicable procedures", said Dewa.

Citilink, continued Dewa, always prioritizes aspects of flight safety, security and comfort, therefore we always try to anticipate things that have the potential to disrupt flight safety and security.