Aerobatic pilot Rob Holland, revered in aviation circles as a “master of the air,” has been remembered with deep admiration and sorrow following his tragic death in a plane crash at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
Holland died on April 24, 2025, when his custom-built MXS-RH aircraft went down while approaching the base ahead of the Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show.
Holland’s passing sent shockwaves through the global aviation community. Known for pushing the boundaries of aerobatic flight, he was a 13-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, a six-time World Freestyle Aerobatic Champion, and a gold medalist at the 2015 World Air Games.
His performances, often described as breathtaking and innovative, set new standards in the art of aerial acrobatics. Videos of his routines showed him executing gravity-defying loops, rolls, and maneuvers that left audiences and fellow pilots in awe.
His aircraft, a lightweight, all-carbon-fibre marvel capable of withstanding extreme G-forces and executing rolls at nearly 500 degrees per second, was a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection. Holland’s passion for flight began in childhood, inspired by the sight of a plane flying upside down. He earned his pilot’s license as a teenager and quickly advanced through the ranks, accumulating over 15,000 flight hours in more than 180 different aircraft types.
Despite his extraordinary achievements, Holland was widely known for his humility and dedication to continuous self-improvement. “I aim to elevate aerobatics to new heights,” he once said, reflecting a philosophy that inspired countless aspiring pilots. Colleagues and officials praised not only his technical prowess but also his commitment to safety, professionalism, and mentorship within the airshow industry.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. As the aviation community mourns, Holland’s legacy as a pioneer, mentor, and master of the air endures—his spirit soaring in every daring maneuver and every young pilot he inspired.