Renowned stunt pilot Rob Holland has tragically perished in a devastating plane crash. The six-time World Freestyle Aerobatic Champion and 13-time US National Aerobatic Champion was scheduled to dazzle crowds at an air show this weekend before the fatal crash.

Rob met his untimely end on Thursday at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. The aviation community is mourning the loss of the 50 year old legend, hailed as "one of the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history".

Known for his exhilarating aerobatic displays at air shows globally, Holland embarked on his solo airshow journey in 2002, showcasing his skills in aircraft such as the Pitts S-2C, Ultimate 20-300S, MX2, and his bespoke MXS-RH. Details surrounding the tragic incident at the US Air Force base are yet to be determined, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the Department of Defence (DOD) conducting thorough investigations.

An official statement on Holland's Facebook page announced the heartbreaking news: "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. The cause of the crash is not known at this time, and is under investigation by the FAA, NTSB, and DOD", reports The Mirror.

Renowned for his extraordinary talent and humility, celebrated aerobatic pilot Rob Holland has tragically passed away. A statement paying tribute to his legacy read: "Rob was 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. We would greatly appreciate your respect to the privacy of his family and friends. And remember.... Never ever give up on your dreams. Blue skies."

Throughout his illustrious career, Holland had acquired over 15,000 flight hours across more than 180 types of aircraft and was crowned US National Freestyle Champion a staggering 14 times, including an unparalleled streak of 13 consecutive US National Aerobatic Championships from 2011.

CNN journalist Pete Muntean, who had personal ties to Holland, expressed his sorrow on Twitter: "Very sad to report champion aerobatic pilot Rob Holland was killed during landing at Langley Air Force Base where he was to perform at this weekend's air show, according posts from his verified social media accounts. Rob was a good man, incredible pilot, and friend. RIP."

Holland, originally from New England, discovered his passion for flying in his teens, later pursuing studies in Aviation Flight Operations and Aviation Management at Daniel Webster College in the '90s. While he possessed an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, his ambition led him to commence his own air shows in 2002, already being an accomplished pilot at the age of 28.