A Papua separatist group claimed on 2 July 2026 to have shot dead US pilot Nicholas F. Gosselin and burned a PT AMA civilian aircraft in Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, citing alleged violations of their ultimatum banning flights into operational zones. The sector now faces intensified scrutiny over civilian aviation safety in insurgent areas, as operators transporting essential supplies to remote villages confront escalating security risks and potential operational restrictions. Indonesian authorities confirmed the burnt aircraft but have not yet verified the pilot’s death or the attack’s cause, leaving the incident under active investigation while joint task forces plan on-site confirmation of the pilot and seven Papuan passengers’ status.