An American pilot was killed after a PT AMA Air aircraft was attacked and set ablaze shortly after landing in Yahukimo, Papua Highlands, Indonesian officials said. Preliminary police findings indicate the pilot died from a gunshot wound, while investigators allege the attack was carried out by an armed separatist group.
The pilot was identified as Nicholas F. Goselin, a United States citizen employed by PT AMA Air. The aircraft had departed Wamena on Thursday morning carrying seven passengers, all of whom survived the incident, officials said.
According to the Ministry of Transportation, weather conditions along the route were reported to be favorable before departure. Communication with the aircraft was lost shortly after the pilot reported landing at the remote Balinggama airstrip in Yahukimo Regency.
The pilot’s body was recovered after evacuation efforts were delayed by poor weather. A preliminary forensic examination by Papua Police found a gunshot wound to the face, with investigators concluding that the injury caused fatal damage to the base of the skull.
Indonesian authorities said they are continuing to investigate the attack and have accused an armed separatist group operating in Papua of carrying it out. The allegations have not been independently verified.
Separately, a spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging the aircraft had been transporting military logistics. Indonesian authorities have not publicly confirmed that claim.
The Indonesian government condemned the attack as an unacceptable act of violence against civilian aviation and said those responsible would be brought to justice. Officials also pledged to strengthen security for pioneer flights, which provide a vital transport link for remote communities across Papua by carrying passengers, medical supplies, food, and other essential goods to areas with limited land access.
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