NTSB Releases Final Report on Rob Holland Accident

50-year-old was one of the top aerobatic pilots in the world.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, July 06, 2026 at 03:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

NTSB logo and image [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Aerobatic pilot Rob Holland died in a 2025 accident caused by the failure of a custom counterweight plug, which resulted in a jammed elevator and loss of control during landing.
The NTSB investigation revealed discrepancies in the design and installation of the plug for an adjustable balance tube Holland had requested, noting it was a "short-term solution" without specified torque values or critical O-rings.
Following the accident, the aircraft manufacturer issued a mandatory safety notice for other MXS and MX2 airplanes fitted with similar adjustable balance tubes.
Holland, a highly decorated and experienced aerobatic pilot, was posthumously inducted into the EAA Sport Aviation Hall of Fame.

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National Transportation Safety Board authorities investigating the 2025 accident that killed aerobatic pilot Rob Holland have determined the failure of a custom counterweight plug resulted in a jammed elevator and subsequent loss of control during landing.

Holland, 50, was one of the top aerobatic pilots in the world. He held an ATP certificate and had more than 15,000 hours of flight experience.