NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Holland Accident

Agency collecting and analyzing evidence from crash.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, May 02, 2025 at 05:25 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Aerobatic performer Rob Holland dominated the Unlimited Power category in his MX Aircraft MXS. [Credit: Gary Schenaman]

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB has released a preliminary report on the fatal accident of award-winning aerobatic pilot Rob Holland, which occurred during an approach to Langley Air Force Base.
Witnesses described Holland's aircraft as "porpoising" twice, pitching "straight up," rolling 90 degrees left, and then descending to ground impact.
A key finding from the wreckage inspection was that the left elevator counterweight plug was not installed and was found separate from the aircraft, displaying gouging and paint transfer consistent with contact with the horizontal stabilizer.
This report is preliminary, and the NTSB's investigation into the probable cause of the accident is ongoing.

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The preliminary report on the accident that killed aerobatic pilot Rob Holland has been released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

On April 24 Holland, an award-winning aerobatic pilot, was flying his performance aircraft, an MX Aircraft tech PTY LTD MXS from Smyrna Airport (KMQY) in Tennessee, and was destined for Langley Air Force Base (KLF) in Hampton, Virginia, to perform in the Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow scheduled for the following weekend. The show went on as scheduled, with a moment of silence to honor Holland.