Small Plane Attacked in Papua, Pilot Dies - Allegedly by KKB

A small aircraft belonging to PT AMA (Associated Mission Aviation), registered as PK-RCY, was attacked, burned, and its pilot killed at Balinggama Airstrip in Papua Pegunungan Regency on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The incident is attributed to the KKB (separatist armed group). Lukman F. Laisa, Director General of Air Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, stated that based on initial information received from the Wamena Class I Airport Authority Unit (UPBU), the aircraft departed from Wamena Airport at 06:30 WIT and landed at Balinggama Airstrip at 06:46 WIT. He noted that no information was received indicating an unfavorable security situation in the vicinity of the airstrip prior to landing. He explained that prior to the flight, weather information for the route was reported as good. However, according to initial reports, no security situation information was conveyed from Balinggama Airstrip before the aircraft's landing. "After the pilot reported that the aircraft had landed, communication from the area post at the airstrip was reportedly cut off," he said. Lukman confirmed that one pilot of the pioneering aircraft, identified as Nicholas F. Goselin, had died. This was also confirmed by the Head of UPBU Class I Wamena. "The suspected cause of the incident is still awaiting further confirmation from the authorities," he asserted. Previously, the fate of Nicholas F. Goselin (29), a pilot for PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA), became known. The US national was confirmed to have died after the aircraft he was piloting was burned by the KKB in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. The incident occurred on Thursday (2/7/2026). Kapen (Head of Information) of Koops TNI Habema, Lt. Col. Inf. M. Wirya Arthadiguna, confirmed that the pilot's body had been evacuated and immediately flown to Timika, Central Papua. Three helicopters were deployed for the evacuation process. "The team had flown from Timika since 06:45 WIT and hoped the evacuation process would proceed safely and smoothly," said Lt. Col. Inf. Wirya, as quoted by Antara on Friday (3/7/2026). Wirya stated that the US national pilot died from being shot by KKB members. However, details of the incident are still awaiting information from the team. "The plan is for the body to be flown directly to Jayapura," said Lt. Col. Inf. Wirya. In addition to shooting pilot Nicholas F Goselin, the KKB also burned the Pilatus-type aircraft with flight number PK-RCY upon its arrival at Balinggama airstrip. Besides the pilot, the seven passengers on the AMA aircraft bound for Balinggama were Eston Sobolim, Kluenang Sobolim, Toni Balingga, Elina Sobolim, Ona Sobolim, Lisenia Balingga, and Vaince Amo Hoso. Data compiled by ANTARA revealed that the aircraft burned by the KKB was a Pilatus type. The aircraft flew from Wamena to Balinggama carrying seven passengers. Read the latest and most trusted news on Liputan6 News