AMA Aircraft Burned at 2,292 Metres Altitude, Evacuation Hampered

An aircraft belonging to PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) with registration PK-RCY, which was allegedly set on fire by an armed criminal group in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, is located at an altitude of 2,292 metres above sea level. The remote location is hampering evacuation and investigation processes.

‘Handling efforts on the ground are facing geographical constraints. There is no road access, so it can only be reached using pioneer flights,’ said the Head of Public Relations for the Cartenz 2026 Peace Operation Task Force, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, as quoted by detikSulsel on Friday (3/7/2026).

Yusuf explained that the Balinggama Airstrip, where the plane was to land, is situated in a mountainous area. Weather conditions are also being taken into consideration in reaching the location. ‘The airstrip, which is at an altitude of approximately 2,292 metres above sea level, is an obstacle for officers to arrive at the scene, taking into account the weather conditions,’ he said.

The incident was revealed through aerial video footage recorded by a pilot from another airline who was flying over the location. Yusuf stated that a team would be dispatched to the scene today. ‘Since receiving the information and the circulating video, we immediately conducted an initial investigation and coordinated with the airline. However, to date we have not been able to confirm information regarding victims because the team is still awaiting a direct check at the location,’ he said.

Based on preliminary coordination, the PK-RCY aircraft was serving the Wamena-Balingga-Wamena flight route using a Pilatus type aircraft. According to manifest data from the airline, the pilot of the aircraft is Nicholas F Goselin, a United States citizen, and he was carrying seven passengers. ‘Preliminary confirmation results verify that the aircraft fire incident did indeed occur. However, to date, information regarding the condition of the pilot and passengers is still pending the results of a direct check at the location,’ he explained.