Rob Holland Killed in Tragic Crash Before Airshow Performance in Virginia

Rob Holland, the celebrated aerobatic pilot, tragically lost his life on Thursday in a crash at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, just days before he was scheduled to perform at the Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow. Holland, known for his remarkable aerobatic skills, was flying his custom-built MXS-RH aircraft when the crash occurred around 11:50 a.m. ET, during an attempt to land. Only Holland was on board at the time of the accident.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and Department of Defense (DOD) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, but details remain unclear.

A Legacy of Achievement in Aerobatics

Rob Holland’s impact on the aviation world was profound. As one of the most respected pilots in aerobatic history, he had accumulated more than 15,000 flight hours and competed in over 180 different aircraft types. His list of accolades includes 37 international competition medals and a staggering 13 U.S. National Aerobatic Championship titles. Despite these extraordinary accomplishments, Holland remained humble and relentlessly pursued excellence, always striving to be “better than he was yesterday.”

Tributes Pour In

Holland’s death has deeply affected the aviation community. His company, Rob Holland Aerosports, paid tribute to him, remembering him as “one of the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history.” The International Aerobatic Club also expressed their grief, with Jim Bourke, the club’s president, calling him “a friend, a mentor, a leader, and an innovator.”

His loss has left a void, not only in the world of aerobatics but also in the hearts of those who knew him. E3Aviation Association mourned his passing, saying, “The world lost an extraordinary pilot, an incredible person, and a true hero who inspired countless lives.”

Holland specially built his MX Aircraft MXS plane to meet his high-performance demands, allowing it to handle 16 Gs and rolls at 500 degrees per second, pushing the boundaries of aerobatic flight. His dedication to the sport, along with his unwavering passion for flight, made him a beloved figure in the airshow community.

The Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow, where he was set to perform this weekend, will now honor his memory as his fans and fellow pilots reflect on his incredible career.

More…

• https://edition.cnn.com/us/famed-pilot-killed-in-crash-days-before-he-was-to-perform-at-airshow/index.html
• https://www.thestar.com/news/world/united-states/pilot-dies-when-experimental-plane-crashes-before-air-show-in-virginia-officials-say/article_39652dcb-a3a3-529a-ae9e-aefaef306979.html
• https://abcnews.go.com/US/langley-air-force-base-crash-airshow-virginia/story?id=121142276