HAMPTON, Va. — Tributes are pouring in for Rob Holland, a well-respected aerobatic pilot who died in a plane crash in Hampton Thursday.

Holland was an airshow staple. Just days before he was set to thrill fans at a show in Hampton, this weekend, the stunt pilot died while attempting to land at Langley Air Force Base, officials say.

“The aircraft was on final arrival. They just arrived today. There was no act. It was just arriving at the airport,” said Col. Matthew R. Altman, 633d Air Base Wing Commander at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. “We lost a great friend to the Air Force and an airman and a legend of Air Power [Over Hampton Roads Airshow].”

A post on the pilot’s official Instagram page reads: “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.”

Fans of the pilot are reacting online, writing: “A true legend!” And, “An inspiration to us all forever.”

Videos posted on Holland’s Facebook page show some of the stunt pilot’s incredible feats. Holland would have been one of several performers at the base, this weekend, for the Air Power Over Hampton Roads Airshow.

E3 Aviation Association posting a touching tribute online in memory of Holland, the team writing on their website: “…the world lost an extraordinary pilot, an incredible person, and a true hero who inspired countless lives.” Adding, “the heavens have gained a master of the air.”

According to his official biography, Holland worked as a full-time airshow pilot for more than two decades and was a 13-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion. He performed for millions — with airshow fans often capturing his incredible feats and sharing them online.

The WaterStone Bank Air & Water Show writing on Facebook: “Rob was one of our most respected and memorable air show pilots…”

The National Warplane Museum – Geneseo Airshow simply writing: “We are crushed.” 

The post on Holland’s official page is asking fans to remember him and “never ever give up on your dreams.”