A National Transportation Safety Board investigator has arrived at the scene of the crash that tragically killed celebrated pilot Rob Holland on Thursday at Langley Air Force base, where he was scheduled to perform this weekend at the Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow.
His custom MXS-RH aerobatic aircraft was approaching for landing at approximately 11:50 a.m. when the accident occurred, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed in a statement. Holland was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
An update released by the FAA on Friday indicated that the crash in Hampton, Virginia took place “under unknown circumstances” on the base’s nearly two-mile-long runway.
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NTSB spokesperson Sarah Sulick stated that the agency, in conjunction with the United States Air Force, is expected to provide an update to journalists sometime on Friday afternoon. This briefing is likely to be the only public communication regarding the crash before the release of a preliminary report in approximately 30 days.
Holland’s passing has deeply affected the aviation community. He was the reigning U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, a title he had secured an impressive 13 consecutive times in the demanding discipline of competitive aerobatic flying. Renowned for his precise and innovative style, Holland frequently captivated air show audiences across North America with maneuvers of his own invention.
“The cause of the crash is not known at this time, and is under investigation by the FAA, NTSB, and DOD,” a post on Holland’s company’s Facebook page stated, referencing the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Department of Defense.
“Rob was one of the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history,” the statement continued. “Even with an absolutely impressive list of accomplishments, both in classical competition aerobatics and within the air show world, Rob was the most humble person with a singular goal to simply be better than he was yesterday.”
According to his website, the single-seat aerobatic plane was custom-built to Holland’s specifications using carbon fiber and was capable of withstanding forces of 16Gs and performing rolls at 500 degrees per second. He had dedicated over two decades to being a full-time airshow pilot.
The Experimental Aircraft Association, which hosts the annual Oshkosh, Wisconsin air show where Holland was a frequent headliner, described Holland as “a trailblazer whose passion and innovation redefined the art of aerobatic flight” and whose “contributions to aviation were unparalleled.”
“The world lost an extraordinary pilot, an incredible person, and a true hero who inspired countless lives,” the association posted. “With over 15,000 flight hours across more than 180 aircraft types, Rob’s skill was matched only by his boundless enthusiasm for flight.”
