The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that renowned aerobatic pilot Rob Holland was communicating with Langley Air Force Base’s air traffic control tower shortly before his fatal crash on Thursday.
According to NTSB president Dan Boggs, Holland, flying a single-engine MX Aircraft MXS – a specialized aircraft designed for airshows and boasting nearly twice the horsepower of standard small planes – succumbed to injuries after impacting the ground near a taxiway shortly past 11:30 a.m. He was the sole occupant of the craft.
While attempting what was described as a routine landing, Holland’s aircraft went down. Boggs emphasized that he wasn’t performing any aerial maneuvers at the time. The airfield remained closed and military operations were unaffected by the incident.
The NTSB is currently working to obtain a complete record of the radio exchanges between Holland and air traffic control, as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Investigators are also collecting witness accounts, recognizing that perspectives may differ depending on an individual’s aviation expertise.
“Whether they’re aviation people or not, their observations will be vital,” Boggs stated. “We’re aiming to assemble a comprehensive picture from all available sources – anyone who witnessed the entire sequence of events can provide valuable input.”
The MXS aircraft, specifically built for airshow performances and highly regarded within that community, is being removed from the site for further examination.
If any mechanical or operational issues are discovered during the investigation, the NTSB will promptly issue a safety bulletin to pilots operating similar aircraft models.
Holland was scheduled to perform at the Hampton Roads airshow at Joint Base Langley-Eustis this weekend, alongside demonstrations from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, ACC F-22 Demo Team and the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight.
Despite the tragedy, Installation Commander Col. Matthew Altman confirmed that the airshow will proceed as planned.
“The aviation community has lost a true legend, a hero, and above all, an exceptional individual,” Altman commented. “We intend for this year’s airshow to be another opportunity to celebrate the wonders of air power and inspire our community, while also serving as a tribute to Rob Holland’s remarkable skill and legacy.”
