HAMPTON, Va. — An aerobatic pilot died in a plane crash at Langley Air Force Base on Thursday, per a social media post.
The Federal Aviation Administration stated that an MX Aircraft MXS crashed around 11:39 a.m. when attempting to land at the base. The pilot, identified as Rob Holland, was the only one on board.
The MXS is an aerobatic airplane, often seen participating in air shows. Langley’s annual Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show is scheduled for this weekend.
Holland was described as “the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history” in a post on his Facebook page.
Joint Base Langley-Eustis has not officially identified Holland as the pilot, but speaking with reporters Thursday evening, JBLE installation commander Col. Matt Altman said, “We lost a great friend to the Air Force, and an airman, and a legend of air power.”
Altman said the aircraft was just arriving at Langley and coming in to land when the accident happened.
“There was no act,” Altman said when asked if the pilot was practicing for the air show. “It was just arriving at the airport.”
Holland’s website states he won a record-setting 12 consecutive U.S. National Aerobatic Championships, five world Freestyle Aerobatics Championships, and the Art Scholl Award for Showmanship, a prestigious honor for airshow pilots.
“His performances were not just displays of skill but expressions of artistry, pushing the boundaries of aerobatics with groundbreaking maneuvers that earned him multiple championship titles and a place among the most decorated pilots in U.S. history,” wrote the E3 Aviation Association.
“On behalf of all of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, all the friends and family of the pilot, [we] just want to offer our deepest, deepest condolences to the family, the friends, all who loved and respected him,” Altman said. “I’d like to offer my thanks to our first responders who responded quickly to the scene, secured the aircraft, and thanks to the local community partners and fire and medical services who offered their support as well.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the crash. The NTSB said that witnesses to the accident or anyone with surveillance video that could help the investigation should contact them at [email protected].
An NTSB report should be available within 30 days. A probable cause of the crash, along with other factors, will be detailed in a final report in 12-24 months. The NTSB will arrive to the scene on Friday to begin their invesitgation.
Langley Air Force Base is located in Hampton off of North Armistead Avenue near the NASA Langley Research Center.
