Photography by James Roslansky
Duel in the Desert 2025 - Missing Man Flight for Rob Holland
By Taylor Mershon, IAC 422603
The Duel in the Desert Returns Aerobatic Competition was held at General William J. Fox Field in Lancaster, California on April 25, 2025, with weather canceling the second day of the event on April 26th. On the practice day of the competition, Thursday, April 24, 2025, news broke that Rob Holland had died in an aircraft crash at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. Rob was one of the most decorated competition aerobatic pilots in the world, was heavily involved in the IAC as the vice president and sequence committee chair, was known for his mastery of his MXS-RH in airshows and invention of new aerobatic maneuvers, and was cherished by many as a dear friend, loyal teammate, and beloved mentor.
To honor Rob’s passing, Duel in the Desert competitors performed a missing man formation flight on the afternoon of April 26th after the weather preventing the remainder of the competition flying had cleared. The flight of three included Matthew Dunfee in his grey and black 330SC, Alexander Coats in his white, black, and orange Edge 540, and Rob’s long-time U.S. National and World Aerobatic Competition teammate A.J. Wilder in his yellow, black, and white 330SC.
Photography by James Roslanski.
Despite the heavy-hitting news and hurdles caused by uncooperative weather, contest director Brooks Mershon kept the event running smoothly with the help of many of the competitors and volunteers. Overall the contest was a success and there was a full day of practice and a full day of competition flying. Stay tuned for a competition recap coming soon!
Video by Jamie Pittman.
