Civilian Aircraft Attacked and Set on Fire in Papua

Armed separatists attacked a Pilatus PC-6 aircraft after it landed in Indonesia’s Papua region, killing U.S. pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and setting the aircraft on fire. Authorities said all seven passengers on board were later found alive.

The Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter, registered PK-RCY and operated by PT Associated Mission Aviation, departed Wamena on the morning of July 2 and landed at Ipdeheik airstrip in Yahukimo. Communication with the aircraft was lost shortly after the pilot reported the landing.

The West Papua National Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its members shot the pilot and burned the aircraft. The separatist group alleged that the civilian aircraft had been transporting Indonesian security personnel and military supplies.

Aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-6 are widely used for passenger and cargo operations in Papua’s mountainous and road-inaccessible areas due to their short takeoff and landing capabilities. Civil aviation operations in the region have periodically been affected by the conflict between Indonesian security forces and pro-independence armed groups.