MOSCOW, August 22 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian Knights aerial display team will perform at the MAKS air show near Moscow despite the death of its commander during rehearsals last week, an Air Force spokesman said on Saturday.
"Four Su-27 aircraft of the aerobatic display team will perform one flight above the Zhukovsky airfield," Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik said.
It was announced earlier in the week that due to the tragedy, which killed two people, the Russian Knights (Russkiye Vityazi) would not take part in MAKS-2009, but they will now perform on the final day of the major international air show.
The group's commander, Col. Igor Tkachenko, was killed last Sunday when two planes collided in midair while practicing the routine. Two other pilots were injured, and five people on the ground suffered burns when one of the jets crashed to the ground.
One of the five, Olga Yudina, died on Friday having suffered burns on 80% of her body. A doctor said she did not regain consciousness after the accident.
According to preliminary findings, the crash was caused by pilot error. Senior military officials say more practice, particularly with flight simulators, would be a significant step in improving the Air Force's flight safety regime.
