Airshow pilot killed when stunt plane crashes at Virginia Air Force base

A stunt plane crashed at Langley Air Force Base Thursday afternoon, killing accomplished aerobatic pilot Rob Holland. 

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, officials were investigating the crash of his "experimental MX Aircraft MXS" near Hampton, Virginia.

What we know:

Officials told WTKR that the crash happened at Langley Air Force Base during the stunt plane's landing approach. 

Rob Holland's death was later confirmed on his social media accounts.

FILE - Langley Air Force Base gate on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, in Hampton, Virginia. (Kaitlin McKeown/Daily Press/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

An MX Aircraft MXS is a single-seat "aerobatic" plane that’s frequently used in air shows. The 2025 Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow is scheduled for this weekend at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. 

What we don't know:

It’s unclear what caused the crash.

An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive at the air force base on Friday. 

What they're saying:

A post on Holland's verified Facebook page said the pilot was killed in the crash.

"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," the unsigned post stated. "We would greatly appreciate your respect to the privacy of his family and friends. And remember…. Never ever give up on your dreams."