Russian Su-27 Jet Crashes, Pilot Killed

Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed reports on Thursday that a Su-27 fighter aircraft had crashed in the Moscow region.

“On June 9 at 10:25 [local time, 07:35 GMT], a Su-27 belonging to the Russian Aerospace Forces crashed in the Moscow region while returning to the base airfield after a planned flight. The pilot died. The flight was conducted without ammunition, there is no destruction on the ground," the ministry said in a statement. 

Russia's Aerospace Forces have suspended Su-27 flights after a fatal crash in the Moscow region on Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"Su-27 flights have been suspended at the decision of the commander until the reasons behind the crash in Moscow region are determined. According to preliminary data, the crash was caused by technical failure," the ministry said in a statement.