Rob Holland, stunt and aerobatics pilot, dies in crash at Virginia’s Langley Air Force Base

Stunt and aerobatics pilot Rob Holland died in a crash at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia, Thursday.

Mr. Holland, 50, was attempting to land a single-seat MX Aircraft MXS plane when he crashed, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Both the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident. 

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I am sharing that Rob Holland lost his life today … The cause of the crash is not known at this time … Rob was one of the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history. … We would greatly appreciate your respect to the privacy of his family and friends. And remember…. Never ever give up on your dreams,” the official Rob Holland Aerosports page said on Facebook Thursday afternoon.

Aerobatics refers to the practice of acrobatic flight maneuvers that aren’t used on conventional flights.

Mr. Holland was scheduled to perform at the Air Power over Hampton Roads show at Langley this weekend.

The plane crashed as it was arriving at the airport, and Mr. Holland was not practicing at the time of the crash.

“There was no act. It was just arriving at the airport,” base commander Col. Matt Altman said, according to WVEC-TV.

Mr. Holland’s website details his achievements: 13 consecutive U.S. National Aerobatic Champion titles, a six-time world champion and 14-time U.S. champion in the category of four-minute freestyle aerobatics, the 2008 World Advanced Aerobatic Championships, and 37 medals in international championships including 14 golds. 

He was also a member of the E3 Aviation Association.

“Rob made the impossible look effortless, igniting passion in all who watched him fly. Beyond his technical brilliance, Rob was an incredible friend to many and an incredible person. His warmth, generosity and infectious love for aviation touched everyone he met. He shared his knowledge freely,  guiding the next generation of pilots with the same dedication he brought to his craft,” the association said.