Russian Demo Team Planes Collide

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A collision occurred between two Sukhoi Su-27 jets during a rehearsal for the MAKS-2009 air show in Moscow.
  • The commander of the Russian Knights, Col. Igor Tkachenko, died after ejecting from his aircraft.
  • Two other crew members ejected and were reported to be in satisfactory condition.
  • The jets crashed into houses, injuring up to five people on the ground.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The commander of the elite Russian Knights air demonstration team died Sunday after his SU27 collided with another during a rehearsal for the MAKS-2009 air show in Moscow. Col. Igor Tkachenko was among three crewmen who ejected from two aircraft after the collision. The other two were in “satisfactory” condition according to early reports. The jets hit a row of houses and up to five people were hurt, one woman seriously.

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE