Plane Torched in Papua Highlands, Initial Chronology Revealed
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transport has stated that it has received initial reports regarding an incident involving a pioneer aircraft owned by PT AMA, with registration PK-RCY. The incident occurred at Balinggama Airport, Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua, on Thursday (2/7/2026).
Based on initial information received from the Class I Wamena Airport Authority Unit (UPBU), the Director General of Civil Aviation, Lukman F Laisa, stated that the aircraft departed from Wamena Airport at 06:30 WIT, carrying one pilot and seven passengers.
“The aircraft was reported to have landed at Balinggama Airport at 06:46 WIT,” Lukman said in a written statement in Jakarta, Thursday (2/7/2026).
Lukman noted that there was no information regarding the security conditions in the area surrounding the airport that indicated an insecure situation. He added that prior to the flight, weather information for the flight route was reported to be in good condition.
“However, based on initial reports, there was no information provided regarding the security situation at Balinggama Airport before the aircraft landed,” said Lukman.
After the pilot reported that the aircraft had landed, Lukman stated that communication from the post area at the airport was reported to have been severed. Lukman also mentioned that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had received an initial report from the Head of the Class I Wamena UPBU stating that the pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, was reported to have passed away.
“The suspected cause of the incident is still awaiting further confirmation from the relevant authorities,” said Lukman.
Currently, Lukman continued, PT AMA, together with the Class I Wamena UPBU and relevant agencies, is still conducting further investigations and verifying the chronology of the incident to ensure all facts on the ground are confirmed.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Lukman added, expressed deep condolences for this tragedy and will continue to coordinate with flight operators, security forces, local government, and all relevant stakeholders to obtain accurate information and ensure that handling measures are carried out in accordance with regulations.