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NTSB Releases Final Report on Rob Holland Accident

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

NTSB
NTSB logo and image [Credit: Shutterstock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The NTSB determined that aerobatic pilot Rob Holland's fatal 2025 accident was caused by the failure of a custom counterweight plug, which resulted in a jammed elevator and loss of control during landing.
  • Investigation revealed the custom counterweight plug deviated from the manufacturer's design, lacked specified installation instructions, and was missing a critical O-ring locking device.
  • Following the accident, the aircraft manufacturer issued a mandatory safety notice for similar aircraft models, providing instructions for filling adjustable balance tubes.
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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.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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