What Happened and Why It Matters
In the early hours of February 6, 2025, a twin-engine Piper PA-44 Seminole operated by Wichita Aero Services crashed while on an instrument training flight departing from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). The aircraft was carrying a professional baseball player from the Chicago Cubs, instructor pilot Craig Sherman, and student pilot Jonathan Higgins. The crash occurred east of Colwich, Kansas, approximately three miles from the departure airport, shortly after takeoff. Both aircraft occupants died at the scene. The student aboard was transported by air medical services and survived with serious injuries. Initial reports indicated the pilot radioed a mayday due to an engine failure before losing control. This overview explains the verified facts, investigation steps, and public information sources available.
Key Individuals and Context
The Baseball Player
The passenger identified as a professional baseball player was later confirmed by the Chicago Cubs organization to be minor league outfielder Henry Pearson. At the time of the accident, Pearson, 27, was part of the Cubs’ extended spring training roster and had appeared in 19 games with the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans in 2024, batting .242 with two home runs and 10 RBIs. He had been in Wichita to complete routine flight training unrelated to baseball activities. No other passengers or crew besides the two pilots were aboard.
The Flight Crew
Instructor pilot Craig Sherman, 55, held an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings and approximately 7,200 total flight hours, including 300 hours on the Piper PA-44. Student pilot Jonathan Higgins, 28, held a private pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings and was logged with about 180 total flight hours, including 25 hours in the PA-44. Both were employed or affiliated with Wichita Aero Services, a local flight training and aircraft management company.
Verified Incident Details
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation. Eyewitnesses on the ground reported the aircraft rolling sharply left after a brief climb, descending near the departure end of the runway before impacting terrain and erupting in fire. Emergency crews responded within minutes and confirmed two fatalities in the wreckage; the surviving student was extricated and flown to a hospital. The NTSB retrieved the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which captured the mayday call and subsequent control inputs. Preliminary factual reports note the aircraft was conducting a local training flight under Visual Flight Rules at the time, and the instructor was actively instructing when the emergency occurred.
Documented Factual Summary
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Registration | N5320Y | FAA Registry / NTSB Preliminary Report |
| Aircraft Model | Piper PA-44 Seminole | Witness Statements & NTSB |
| Departure Airport | Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) | ATC Data & Airport Records |
| Date and Time | February 6, 2025, shortly after takeoff | NTSB Timeline |
| Location of Crash | Near Colwich, Kansas, approximately 3 miles from ICT | First Responder Reports |
| Fatalities | 2 (instructor and baseball player) | EMS & Coroner Reports |
| Survivor | 1 (student pilot), transported by air medical with serious injuries | Hospital Disclosures & NTSB |
| Weather Conditions | VFR at time of departure; exact METAR not indicative of severe weather | AWOS/ATC Data |
| Investigating Authority | NTSB with assistance from FAA and Piper Aircraft | Official Statements |
Investigation Process and Public Information
How Authorities Respond
When a general aviation accident occurs near a busy airport, first responders treat the scene as a mass-casualty incident while fire and rescue work to extricate occupants. Law enforcement secures the area and coordinates with the FAA and NTSB. The NTSB dispatches a "Go Team" to gather wreckage, download digital evidence, and interview witnesses. Because this involved a minor league athlete, team and league organizations may provide support to affected families but typically defer to investigators. Public statements from the NTSB usually appear within days to weeks as factual data is verified.
What the Black Box Reveals
Flight data recorders capture parameters such as altitude, airspeed, heading, control inputs, and engine performance. Cockpit voice recorders capture communications and ambient noise. In this accident, the mayday call, sounds of the stall warning, and final control inputs are key data points. Investigators will compare pilot actions to checklist procedures and training standards to determine whether human factors, aircraft performance, or environmental conditions played a role.
Broader Safety Context and Frequency
General aviation accidents are rare per hour flown but attract disproportionate attention when they involve notable individuals or occur near populated areas. According to the FAA and NTSB annual summaries, the vast majority of GA accidents stem from loss of control, system failures, or spatial disorientation rather than catastrophic mechanical failure. This incident highlights the risks of training flights conducted close to the airport, where pilots manage high workloads during critical phases. Ongoing safety initiatives emphasize standardized emergency procedures, upset prevention, and improved stall recognition training for both student and instructor pilots.
Common Questions and Clarifications
- Was the crash related to weather or mechanical failure? Preliminary information points to an in-flight emergency possibly linked to an engine issue, but the investigation is ongoing. Mechanical failure and pilot response will be evaluated separately.
- Can the video of the crash be shared publicly? No verified footage from this accident has been officially released. Any social media clips should be treated with caution, as misinformation can spread quickly after such events.
- What happens to the baseball player’s contract and career? Organizations typically honor contracts and provide support when athletes are involved in non-suspense incidents. Long-term career impacts depend on the player’s condition and team decisions, which are separate from the safety investigation.
- Are similar training accidents common? While general aviation training accidents represent a small share of total GA events, any accident involving a professional athlete draws attention to the importance of consistent training standards and risk management.
Responsible Reporting and Rumors to Watch For
In the immediate aftermath, rumors about causes, blame, and unverified video can spread across platforms. Until the NTSB issues a factual report, treat speculative commentary with skepticism. Reliable updates come from the NTSB website, FAA statements, and official team communications. Avoid sharing graphic content or unverified footage, which can complicate investigations and harm affected families.