Stunt Pilot Rob Holland Dies in Crash Days Before Airshow Performance

• An aviation crash involving an MX aircraft at Langley Air Force Base on April 24 killed famed stunt pilot, Rob Holland
• Holland was slated to appear at the Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow in Virginia this weekend
• “Rob was the most humble person with a singular goal to simply be better than he was yesterday,” a statement from his Facebook account said

A veteran aerobatic pilot and airshow performer was killed in a plane crash at Virginia’s Langley Air Force Base, according to authorities and the victim’s social media account. 

The incident occurred on Thursday, April 24, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in an email to PEOPLE. 

“An MX Aircraft MXS crashed while the pilot was attempting to land at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia around 11:50 a.m. local time,” the FAA said, based on preliminary information.

Only the pilot was aboard the aircraft at the time, the agency said, adding that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash. 

A statement from the NTSB shared with PEOPLE said, based on initial information, that the plane crashed on approach to the Langley Air Force Base “under unknown circumstances.”

The FAA and the NTSB did not identify the victim, but a statement posted by Rob Holland Aerosports on Facebook confirmed Holland as the pilot.

“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,” they said.

“Rob was one of the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history,” their statement later added. “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.”

According to FAA records, the aircraft was registered to Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows LLC. 

The crash occurred as Holland was preparing for this weekend at Air Power Over Hampton Roads, which he was scheduled to attend, his website said. 

In his biography, Holland is described as one of the most “decorated, respected, and innovative aerobatic pilots” who flew an MXS-RH by MX aircraft. Among his achievements include 12 consecutive U.S. National Aerobatic Championships; a five-time defending World Freestyle Aerobatic Champion; and a 13-time U.S. Freestyle Aerobatic Champion. 

“Rob’s rise to the top started as a young airshow fan in his native New England,” the biography said. “Earning his pilot’s license while still a teenager, Rob began flying aerobatics almost immediately, all while building valuable flight time and experience as a corporate pilot, commuter pilot, banner tower, flight instructor, ferry pilot, and operating his own aerobatic flight school.”

He also became known for maneuvers previously unseen in airshows, his biography continued. “One of my goals is to take aerobatics to the next level,” Holland once said. “I want to push the limits of what can be done.”

Holland had been a pilot since 1992, according to his website, which added that graduated from Daniel Webster College with Bachelor of Science degrees in aviation/airway management and aviation flight operations.

The MXS aircraft is characterized as “one-of-a-kind, all carbon-fiber masterpiece,” read the description on Holland’s website. It was designed and built by MX Aircraft in North Carolina and used Holland’s design modifications. 

“In the skilled hands of a master like Rob Holland, the MXS-RH’s performance is ‘game-changing’ and allows him to perform the innovated maneuvers unequalled on the airshow circuit,” read the plane’s description.

The NTSB statement said that an investigator is scheduled to arrive at the crash scene on Friday morning, April 25. 

“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,” said the NTSB. 

A preliminary report will be furnished in about 30 days, and a final report is expected in 12-24 months, the agency added. 

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“And remember…. Never ever give up on your dreams,” the statement on his Facebook page concluded. 

PEOPLE contacted Rob Holland Aerosports for an additional comment on Friday,