Champion Stunt Pilot Dies in Langley Air Force Base Plane Crash: What We Know

World-renowned stunt pilot Rob Holland, 50, died Thursday morning when his MX Aircraft MXS crashed during approach to Langley Air Force Base, according to a statement posted on his official Facebook page.According to the schedule on UltimateAirshows.com, and first reported by Flying Magazine, Holland was set to perform this weekend at the Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow, flying his MXS-RH—a custom, all-carbon fiber, single-seat aerobatic aircraft he had been competing in since 2011.A post on Holland's Facebook page said, "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I am sharing that Rob Holland lost his life today, 24 April 2025, in an accident at Langley AFB, VA. The cause of the crash is not known at this time, and is under investigation by the FAA, NTSB, and DOD. Rob was one of the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history. 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. We would greatly appreciate your respect to the privacy of his family and friends. And remember.... Never ever give up on your dreams. Blue skies"What To Know About Thursday's Crash at Langley Air Force BaseIn an emailed statement, an NTSB public affairs specialist said the agency is investigating a crash of an experimental MX Aircraft MXS near Hampton, Virginia, and preliminary information indicates the plane crashed on approach to Langley Air Force Base "under unknown circumstances."An NTSB investigator is en route to the scene and is expected to arrive tomorrow morning," the statement said. "Once on site, the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation.""NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment," the statement continued, adding that the investigation will look at flight track data, recordings of any air traffic control communications, maintenance records, and other related data.During the "on-scene phase of the investigative process," NTSB said that it will not speculate about the cause of the accident. A preliminary report will be available within 30 days and will contain factual information, while speculation on a probably cause of the crash and any contributing factors will be expected in 12 to 24 months.A press contact at Langley Air Force Base told Newsweek in a phone call that first responders are on the scene and that the safety and security of personnel remains a priority, adding: "The incident is under investigation."The MX Aircraft MXS is a high-performance, single-seat aerobatic aircraft designed primarily for competitive aerobatics and airshow performances.What to Know About Rob HollandHolland was among the most celebrated and decorated aerobatic pilots of his generation, renowned for his innovative maneuvers and precision flying. A thirteen-time consecutive U.S. National Aerobatic Champion and six-time World Freestyle Champion, Holland earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of aerobatic flight in his high-performance MX Aircraft MXS.Holland was based out of Nashua, New Hampshire, where he operated Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows. He flew primarily out of Boire Field (Nashua Municipal Airport) and used it as his home base for training, aircraft maintenance, and show preparation."Today we lost a friend of our Air Force family," Col. Matthew Altman, Joint Base Langley-Eustis commander wrote in a statement. "On behalf of our entire JBLE team, I want to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this incredible aviator."What Happens NextWitnesses to the accident or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the NTSB at [email protected], 4/24/25 at 2:59 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information, context and comment.Update, 4/24/25 at 6:02 p.m. ET: This headline and article has been updated after stunt pilot Rob Holland was confirmed to be killed in the crash.Update, 4/24/25 at 6:13 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.Update, 4/24/25 at 6:27 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.