AMA Plane Carrying Seven Passengers Set Ablaze by KKB in Yahukimo, Pilot Reported Dead

A plane belonging to PT AMA with registration number PK-RCY, which was allegedly set on fire by an armed criminal group (KKB) in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, was carrying seven passengers. The pilot, named Nicholas F. Goselin, has been reported dead at the scene.

“The initial report from the Head of UPBU Class I Wamena stated that the pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, has been reported dead,” said Director General of Air Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa, in a statement on Thursday (2/7/2026).

Lukman has not yet detailed the chronology of the incident. The plane originally departed from Wamena Airport, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Highlands.

“The plane departed from Wamena Airport at 06.30 WIT carrying one pilot and seven passengers,” he said.

Lukman also could not yet confirm the cause of the pilot’s death. His office is still awaiting further investigation from the relevant authorities.

“Currently, PT AMA, together with UPBU Class I Wamena and related agencies, are still conducting an in-depth investigation and verifying the chronology of the incident to ascertain all the facts on the ground,” he added.