Two airline pilots FALL ASLEEP during passenger flight and traffic control can’t wake them as they approach runway

PILOTS on a passenger plane fell asleep mid-flight – and couldn’t be woken by air traffic controllers before landing. But Ethiopian Airlines flight ET343, travelling from Khartoum to Addis Ababa on August 15, miraculously landed without any injuries. GettyA plane overshot a runway after both pilots fell asleep[/caption] Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737-800 (ET-AOB) continued its cruise flight at 37,000ft until over its destination The pilots had been due to begin their descent to Addis Ababa Bole Airport – but were still cruising at 37,000ft. According to the Aviation Herald, Air Traffic Control attempted to contact the pilots but were unsuccessful. Finally, the crew awoke after the aircraft’s autopilot disconnected and sounded an alarm. The pilots managed to land the plane safely. It stayed on the runway for around two-and-a-half hours before departing for its next flight. The aircraft had overflown the runway, although pilots managed to make another approach when they were roused. Aviation analyst Alex Macheras wrote on Twitter: “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.” THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY… The Sun is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Download our fantastic, new and improved free App for the best ever Sun Online experience. For iPhone click here, for Android click here.  Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. Most read in News FIND HIM NOW Urgent hunt for man after girl, 6, ‘sexually assaulted’ in van & left in woods VOLCANO HORROR Brit, 25, plunges to his death while climbing 15,000ft 'volcano from hell' MURDER PROBE Cops swoop on suspect's home after OAP, 87, is knifed to death on scooter WARNING SIGNS I'm a dog expert - here's how to tell if an animal is dangerous MAKING A HASH OF IT Rishi reveals his fave McDonald's order.. but it isn't even on the menu HIP HOT HOORAY Bank Holiday heatwave on cards as UK turns 'very warm' with 'plenty of sun'