HAMPTON, Va. — While approaching landing at Langley Air Force Base on Thursday, April 24 prior to an air show performance, famed aerobatic pilot Rob Holland's plane — an MX Aircraft MXS — "porpoised" twice before crashing on the runway, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.
According to the report, witnesses said the plane was approaching on the runway making a "normal approach."
The plane then "porpoised" twice, pitched "straight up", rolled 90 degrees to the left, and then crashed.
Watch related: Who was Rob Holland, the aerobatic pilot who died in Langley crash?
While it sheds some light on the cause of the fatal crash two days before the Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show, held biennially at the base, much remains to be understood about how the expert pilot lost control of his aircraft.
The NTSB report discusses modifications Holland made to his aircraft with the help of the manufacturer, MX Aircraft, and its certification by the Federal Aviation Administration for "special airworthiness" as a plane used for exhibition and air racing.
Read the full NTSB report here
Holland's death sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, with condolences pouring out from fellow pilots and fans.
Holland was a frequent flier at the area's two military air shows: Air Power Over Hampton Roads at Langley, and the annual Naval Air Station Oceana show.
At the 2025 Air Power show, Holland was honored, as officials took time to pay tribute to the six-time world aerobatic champion before the events began on Saturday.
Watch: Langley colonel offers condolences for Rob Holland following fatal crash
One of the organizers spoke passionately about Holland's contributions to the airshow community, calling him "the finest solo aerobatic performer to grace this earth."
For many attendees, the respect and admiration for pilots took on even greater significance in the wake of this tragedy.
"There is always a risk, especially when you are doing stunts with an aircraft," one spectator reflected. “ There is a risk with everything you do, and tomorrow isn’t always certain.”
