Pioneer Plane Carrying 7 Passengers Burns in Papua, Pilot Killed

The pilot of a PT AMA aircraft, registered under number PK-RCY, has reportedly died following the burning of the plane. The incident is believed to have involved the aircraft being set on fire in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua.

The aircraft was carrying seven passengers, with Nicholas F. Goselin serving as the pilot.

According to reports, the aircraft originally departed from Wamena Airport, Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua, at 06:30 WIT on Thursday (2/7/2026).

“The initial report from the Head of the Class I Wamena UPBU states that the pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, is reported to have passed away,” said the Director General of Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa.

However, Lukman did not provide details regarding the chronology of the tragic event, nor has he confirmed the exact cause of the pilot’s death. An investigation is currently ongoing.

“Currently, PT AMA, together with the Class I Wamena UPBU and relevant agencies, is still conducting further study and verifying the chronology of the event to ensure all facts on the ground are confirmed,” said Lukman.

It has been reported that the pioneer aircraft was burnt at Balinggama Airport, Yahukimo, on Thursday (2/7/2026) morning. The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has not yet detailed the chronology of the incident.

“The incident is true, but other related matters are still being investigated,” said the Head of Public Relations for the 2026 Cartenz Peace Operation, Kombes Yusuf Sutejo.

Meanwhile, the condition of the passengers has yet to be confirmed.