American Mission Pilot Reported Killed After Aircraft Set Ablaze in Indonesia's Papua Highlands

YAHUKIMO, Investortrust.id — An American missionary pilot was reportedly killed after armed assailants attacked and burned an Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) aircraft shortly after it landed at a remote airstrip in Indonesia's Papua Highlands on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing security challenges facing civilian aviation in the conflict-hit region.

The aircraft, registered PK-RCY, was attacked at Ipdeheik Airstrip in Balinggama village, Sobaham district, Yahukimo regency, at around 9:15 a.m. local time, according to local airport officials.

The attack illustrates the persistent security risks in Indonesia's easternmost Papua region, where armed separatist groups have increasingly targeted aircraft, pilots and remote transportation links.

Missionary and small commercial aircraft are critical lifelines for isolated mountain communities, transporting food, medicine, humanitarian workers and passengers to areas inaccessible by road. Attacks on aviation operations can severely disrupt essential services across the region.

Aircraft Set on Fire After Landing

The incident was confirmed by Dedy Irawan, head of airport services at Nop Goliat Airport in Dekai, Yahukimo.

According to his report, the aircraft had departed from Wamena and landed at Ipdeheik Airstrip before it was set ablaze by a group of attackers. The flight had been scheduled to return immediately to Wamena.

Authorities said the aircraft was attacked moments after touching down on the remote runway.

Pilot Reportedly Killed

Local residents reported that the pilot, identified only as Captain Mark, was killed during the attack.

Officials had not yet issued formal confirmation of the pilot's death or disclosed additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident as security forces continued to assess conditions at the scene.

The motive behind the attack also remained under investigation.

Conflicting Early Reports

Earlier witness accounts obtained by Investortrust indicated that another pilot flying nearby observed the aircraft burning on the runway from the air.

"AMA plane is burned at the top of the runway in Balinggama. Couldn't see anyone around the aircraft or runway area. I've let the guys at AMA know," the witness said in a text message.

The witness initially identified the pilot as Nicholas F. Gosselin, an American from Alaska, and suggested he had been captured.

Subsequent reports from local authorities and community sources instead identified the pilot as Captain Mark and indicated he had been killed. Officials have not yet reconciled the conflicting identities or released an official statement confirming the pilot's name.