Russia grounds Su-27 jets after crash

The warplane, part of the Russian Knights aerobatic team, crashed near Moscow after the team took part in the opening ceremony for a monument to aviators in Ashukino, Tass said. The Defense Ministry said technical problems probably caused the crash, Tass said. The ministry said the pilot steered the plane away from a community and did […]

The warplane, part of the Russian Knights aerobatic team, crashed near Moscow after the team took part in the opening ceremony for a monument to aviators in Ashukino, Tass said.

The Defense Ministry said technical problems probably caused the crash, Tass said.

The ministry said the pilot steered the plane away from a community and did not have time to eject before the crash, Tass said.

The flight data recorder has been recovered and is in good condition, Tass said.

Russia is thought to have about 200 of the aircraft, according to Jane’s Information Group.

This kind of jet conducted a “barrel roll” last April over the top of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 which was flying a reconnaissance mission in international airspace above the Baltic Sea, the Defense Department said.