Air show star Rob Holland died April 24, 2025, in a crash at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. He was 50.
Holland’s death was announced on the Rob Holland Aerosports Facebook page:
“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.
“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.”
According to a report from the Associated Press, Holland was making a normal landing and was not conducting aerobatic maneuvers. The crash remains under investigation.
As a former military pilot, I am not liking the “no update” on Rob’s mishap. The main difference on landing at a fighter base is the runway. Just like any other runway with one exception; BAK12 cables (arresting gear). They are used to stop fighter aircraft in the event of numerous emergencies. The US Air Force, as usual, has not given any updates on status; either the mishap or a Q&A reference any airfield operations at the time of 5he mishap.
Today, as a Boeing 737 Captain, we cannot land prior to; or depart after any cables. Even when we land at bases with them, we have to “pull” their [cables] status from tower. Even when I taxi past them to initiate a take-off, the jolt to the aircraft (150,000 lbs.) is eye opening.
I’m sure this sounds speculative, but Rob’s aircraft is quite fast on landing; and most likely always a “wheel” landing as a taildragger. Just hitting them with small tires would be an event I hate to imagine!
It’s just a question that has not been addressed.
Regards,
Ed Bennett