American Pilot Killed in Aircraft Arson Incident in Papua
The Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that the pilot of a pioneer aircraft owned by PT AMA, which was involved in an arson incident at Balinggama Airstrip in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, has died. The victim has been identified as Nicholas F. Goselin, a citizen of the United States, who was flying the aircraft with registration number PK-RCY.
Director General of Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa, stated that his office had received an initial report from the Head of the Class I Wamena Airport Operator Unit regarding the incident. “We have received an initial report from the Head of the Class I Wamena UPBU stating that the pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, has been reported dead,” he said on Thursday, 2 July 2026.
However, the exact cause of the pilot’s death is still pending the results of an investigation by the relevant authorities. “Currently, PT. AMA together with the Class I Wamena UPBU 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 said.
Lukman expressed his condolences over the incident and assured that the Ministry of Transportation continues to coordinate with all relevant parties to handle the event. “In order to obtain accurate information and ensure that handling measures are carried out in accordance with regulations,” he stated.
It was previously reported that a civil aircraft, Ama PK-RCY, was set on fire in the area of Ipdeheik Airport, Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on Thursday, 2 July 2026. The incident is suspected to have been carried out by unidentified individuals. Security forces are currently investigating the cause and the perpetrators behind the event.
The Head of the Public Relations Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, confirmed the aircraft arson incident. “The incident is true,” Yusuf said when confirmed on Thursday, 2 July 2026.