(CNN) The Russian air force has grounded its fleet of Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets until determining what caused one of the planes to crash on Thursday, killing the pilot, the government-run Tass news agency said.

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.

Photos: Belgian fighters intercept Russian planes Photos: Belgian fighters intercept Russian planes A Russian Su-27 turns away from a Belgian F-16. Hide Caption 1 of 9 Photos: Belgian fighters intercept Russian planes A Russian Su-27 Flanker Hide Caption 2 of 9 Photos: Belgian fighters intercept Russian planes A Russian An-72 with a Belgian F-16. Hide Caption 3 of 9 Photos: Belgian fighters intercept Russian planes A Russian Tu-134AK Hide Caption 4 of 9 Photos: Belgian fighters intercept Russian planes The Belgian F-16s were part of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission from January to April Hide Caption 5 of 9 Photos: Belgian fighters intercept Russian planes A Russian Il-76 flies over the Baltic Sea. Hide Caption 6 of 9 Photos: Belgian fighters intercept Russian planes A Belgian F-16 shadows a Russian Il-76. Hide Caption 7 of 9 Photos: Belgian fighters intercept Russian planes A Belgian F-16 watches a Russian An-12PPS. Hide Caption 8 of 9 Photos: Belgian fighters intercept Russian planes A Russian An-12PPS. Hide Caption 9 of 9

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.

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