Aircraft crashes at Virginia´s Langley Air Force Base; few details released

Jane Harper, The Virginian-Pilot on Apr 24, 2025

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HAMPTON, Va. — Officials at Langley Air Force base confirmed Thursday that an aircraft had crashed there, and that first responders were on the scene.

A preliminary investigation determined the crash occurred shortly before noon as the pilot was on approach to the base, according to a spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board. The plane involved is an experimental MX Aircraft MXS, an aerobatic aircraft that can have one or two seats. No information had been released as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday as to how many people were on board, and if anyone was injured.

“The safety and security of our personnel and the local community are our top priorities,” Joint Base Langley-Eustis said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “The incident is currently under investigation.”

The annual Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow is scheduled to be held Saturday and Sunday at the base. A spokeswoman was unable to say Thursday whether the aircraft involved in the crash was set to be part of the show.

An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive Friday morning, according to the agency. Once on site, the investigator will document the scene and examine the aircraft. The plane will then be taken to a secure facility for further evaluation. The NTSB investigation will focus on the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment.

Witnesses to the accident, or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation, are asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

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