An American pilot was killed and his civilian aircraft set on fire after landing in a remote, conflict-prone area of Indonesia’s Highland Papua province.

Incident Details On Thursday, July 2, 2026, pilot Nicholas F. Gosselin was fatally shot shortly after landing a plane operated by PT AMA (Associated Mission Aviation) at the Ipdeheik airstrip in Balinggama village, Yahukimo regency. The aircraft was subsequently burned by attackers.

Gosselin was flying a cargo and mail service flight to remote areas. Seven local passengers were on board; all were reported unharmed. Contact with the plane was lost soon after landing.

Claim of Responsibility The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), a separatist rebel group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that the action was a response to the Indonesian and U.S. governments’ failure to address the root causes of the conflict in Papua. He accused the plane of frequently transporting Indonesian military personnel and violating the group’s ultimatum regarding rebel-controlled areas. Sambom warned of further attacks on civilian aircraft entering those zones.

Recovery Operation Indonesian military forces conducted a 10-person operation on Friday, July 3, and successfully recovered Gosselin’s body in the rugged terrain. Authorities indicated the body would be handed over to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta.

Background Nicholas F. Gosselin had previously worked as a pilot in Alaska and attended Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts. He was employed by PT AMA, which provides essential transportation services to remote parts of Papua.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions and violence in Papua between Indonesian security forces and indigenous Papuan separatist groups seeking independence.

U.S. and Indonesian officials have not issued immediate detailed public comments on the matter beyond confirming the recovery of the body.