AMA Plane Burns in Papua at 2,292 Metre Altitude, Hampering Investigation

Efforts by authorities to uncover the cause of the fire involving a pioneer aircraft belonging to PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) with registration PK-RCY at Balingga Airstrip, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, are still facing significant obstacles. The location of the incident, situated in a mountainous region at an altitude of approximately 2,292 metres above sea level, has prevented the investigation team from immediately reaching the crime scene. Aside from the absence of road access, the journey to the location can only be made using pioneer flights. Weather conditions in the mountainous area are also a primary consideration for personnel movement. Nevertheless, the Cartenz-2026 Peace Operation Task Force has confirmed that the investigation is proceeding to determine the cause of the incident that occurred on Thursday, 2 July 2026. Initial information about the plane fire was obtained from aerial video footage recorded by a pilot from another airline while flying over Balingga Airstrip. The video showed the PK-RCY aircraft burning at the end of the runway. Upon receiving this information, the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force immediately conducted a preliminary investigation and coordinated with the airline. The Head of the Public Relations Task Force for Cartenz-2026 Peace Operation, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated that the team has mapped the situation at the location and prepared handling measures. ‘Since receiving the information and the circulating video, we immediately conducted an initial investigation and coordinated with the airline. However, we are still unable to confirm information regarding casualties because the team is still awaiting a direct check at the location. Tomorrow, a team will be dispatched to the scene, while personnel are being moved in stages. We urge the public not to easily trust unverified information and to give officers the opportunity to work professionally,’ he said on Thursday. Based on interim coordination results, the PK-RCY aircraft was known to serve the Wamena-Balingga-Wamena route using a Pilatus-type aircraft. The plane was flown by an American pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, and was carrying seven passengers. ‘The interim confirmation results verify that the plane fire incident did indeed occur. However, information regarding the condition of the pilot and passengers is still pending the results of a direct check at the location,’ Yusuf said.