Rob Holland dies: The famous stunt pilot died in a plane crash days before the air show
Award-winning pilot Rob Holland died after crash-landing at Langley Air Force Base. His plane was scheduled to participate in an air show that same weekend.
Rob Holland, renowned aerobatic pilot, died on Thursday, April 24, 2025, after crashing at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. The accident occurred while the pilot was making a routine landing and was not performing aerobatic maneuvers at the time of impact, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The MXS aircraft, modified by Holland himself, was being prepared for its participation in the Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show scheduled for this weekend. Rob Holland Aerosports confirmed his death via social media. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also reported the incident, indicating that the pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
Ongoing investigation and reactions to the tragedy
The cause of the accident has not yet been determined, and the NTSB is leading the official investigation. Air Safety Investigator Dan Boggs confirmed that the plane was descending normally when it impacted. Although authorities have not publicly revealed the pilot's name, several sources confirmed it was Holland, and figures in the aviation industry have already expressed their condolences.
Colonel Matthew Altman, during a press conference, paid tribute to Holland, describing him as "a legend" and "a great human being." Despite the tragedy, authorities announced that the air show will continue as planned, in honor of his legacy in aviation.
A distinguished career in aerobatic aviation
Rob Holland was one of the world's foremost aerobatic pilots, with a career that spanned more than two decades. He earned 12 consecutive U.S. National Aerobatic Championship titles and was a five-time world freestyle champion. In 2012, he received the prestigious Art Scholl Award, the International Council of Air Shows' highest honor.
A New England native, Holland began his aviation training at a young age and graduated in 1997 from Daniel Webster College with degrees in flight operations and aviation management. He flew more than 15,000 hours in over 180 types of aircraft, primarily piloting the MXS-RH, an aircraft he helped design for his displays. His legacy will be remembered for his dedication to taking aerobatics "to the next level," as he stated on his website.