Veteran stunt pilot Rob Holland was killed Thursday in a plane crash at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia, just days before he was scheduled to perform at the Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show, as reported by The New York Post.

The crash occurred shortly before noon as Holland was attempting to land his aircraft, a custom-built MX Aircraft MXS. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the plane was categorized as “experimental.” Holland was the sole occupant of the aircraft at the time.

Joint Base Langley-Eustis officials confirmed Holland’s death and stated that the incident happened during preparations for this weekend’s scheduled air show.

“Today we lost a friend of our Air Force family,” said Col. Matthew Altman, the commander at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. “On behalf of our entire JBLE team, I want to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this incredible aviator.”

RIP to Rob Holland

Here’s his Cobra stunt at Chicago Air and Water Show in 2023 https://t.co/VfFhimonbX pic.twitter.com/hCJ58VjXwi

— Trent 🇺🇸 (@tnertz) April 25, 2025

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by federal safety officials. The NTSB and other relevant agencies are examining the aircraft and reviewing available flight data.

A post on Holland’s official Facebook page confirmed the news, saying:

“One of the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history. 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.”

Holland was widely recognized across the aviation community for his achievements in aerobatic flight. Over his career, he earned multiple national and international titles and was a frequent performer at high-profile air shows across the United States and abroad.

The Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show is scheduled to take place Saturday and Sunday. Organizers have not yet announced whether the program will be adjusted in response to Holland’s passing.

Joint Base Langley-Eustis is located on the southern end of the Virginia Peninsula, encompassing both Fort Eustis and Langley Air Force Base. The air show is an annual event that draws thousands of attendees and includes performances by both military and civilian aviation teams.

The base and aviation community continue to mourn Holland’s death as investigations into the circumstances of the crash proceed.