Rob Holland

This is the NTSB Report 

• A preliminary report from the NTSB on the crash that killed air show star Rob Holland points to a loose plug as the culprit in the crash.

• In a May 2, 2025, preliminary report, NTSB officials note that Holland’s MX Aircraft, a single-seat aerobatic airplane, was a collaboration between Holland and the manufacturer “to modify the airplane to his specifications, which included an access hole on the left and right elevator to insert counterweights to adjust elevator feel depending on the aerobatic routine performed. An aluminum threaded plug was used to access the counterweight hole.”

• On the day of the accident, April 24, 2025, Holland flew from Smyrna Airport (KMQY) in Tennessee, to Langley Air Force Base (KLFI), where he was performing in an upcoming air show.

• Multiple witnesses observed the airplane on approach to land on Runway 08 at KLFI, according to the NTSB preliminary report.

• The airplane made a normal approach to the runway and when it was over the end of the runway, it leveled off about 50 feet above the runway and flew straight down the runway for several hundred feet. The airplane then “porpoised” twice, pitched “straight up,” rolled 90° to the left, and descended to ground impact.

Thoughts

• If in fact the plug backed out, was there a safety tie/locking device that should have been in place? If not, why not?
• Some speculate the arresting cable was deployed.
• Why haven't we seen video or whole pictures of the aircraft?
• Will this have the same impact on experimental aircraft that Earnhardt's death did to NASCAR?