LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE (WAVY) — The custom-built carbon fiber plane that Rob Holland flew was unique and uniquely his own. The model from MX aircraft, based in Perth, Australia, was MXS-RH — with the RH standing for Rob Holland himself.
It was breathtaking when it went fast, and even awe-inspiring when it went slow. Holland had flown different types of the MXS over the years including a two-seat version.
A typical MXS could cruise at 210 miles an hour and roll 420 degrees in a single second.
Holland’s custom version could roll even faster than that.
“It’s really specifically built and designed for air shows,” said investigator Dan Boggs of the National Transportation Safety Board. “Pilots that fly in air shows love the power that comes out of the engine.”
Holland and the plane built entirely to his specs garnered oohs and ahs from crowds — as well as accolades as a world aerobatic champion, with 37 international medals, 14 of them gold.
Holland was killed when he crashed near the runway Thursday morning. He was arriving and planning to perform in the Air Power over Hampton Roads show at the base, after refueling in Tennessee.
“We will be thinking about Rob and his family all weekend,” said Col. Matthew Altman, base commander. “Not only do we think the air show is a great opportunity to welcome the community and still celebrate the joy of air power and all the inspiration that that brings, but we do hope that it’s a tribute to his legacy, and really, his wizardry in the air.”