SCAT Airlines Flight 760, a scheduled domestic passenger service, tragically crashed on January 29, 2013, near Almaty, Kazakhstan. Operated by a Bombardier CRJ-200 regional twinjet, the flight was en route from Kokshetau to Almaty International Airport (UAAA) when it encountered thick fog during its approach phase. All 21 individuals on board—comprising 16 passengers and five crew members—perished in the accident, marking a solemn day in Kazakh aviation history.

Flight Details and Context

The aircraft involved, a Bombardier CRJ-200, is a widely utilized regional jet specifically designed for short to medium-haul routes, typically accommodating around 50 passengers. These aircraft are a workhorse in regional air travel due to their efficiency and versatility. SCAT Airlines, a prominent Kazakhstani air carrier established in 1997, operated this particular flight, connecting the northern city of Kokshetau with Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and vital economic hub. This routine domestic connection served a significant role in the country's internal air travel network, underscoring the unexpected nature and profound impact of this disaster.

The Crash Circumstances and Immediate Impact

The circumstances surrounding the accident were extremely challenging. The area around Almaty was enveloped in dense fog, severely limiting visibility for approaching aircraft, a condition known as Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The crash occurred in the vicinity of the small village of Kyzyltu, located just a few kilometers from Almaty, indicating the incident happened during the critical final approach phase of flight, where precision navigation and clear visual references are paramount. Air traffic controllers and other inbound aircraft reported the extreme low visibility. The impact was severe and immediate, sadly leaving no survivors among those on board, leading to an extensive search and recovery operation in the difficult conditions.

The Post-Crash Investigation: Unanswered Questions

Following the catastrophic event, a comprehensive and meticulous investigation was promptly initiated. The primary authority responsible for this inquiry was the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC), an executive body supervising the use and management of civil aviation in several former Soviet Union states, including Kazakhstan. Investigators diligently collected and analyzed all available evidence, including flight data recorders (FDR) and cockpit voice recorders (CVR), alongside extensive wreckage analysis and witness statements, to reconstruct the moments leading to the tragedy. The official investigation report conclusively determined that the aircraft experienced an abrupt and uncontrolled descent after pitching sharply into a nose-down attitude. This sudden and violent maneuver occurred during the approach, subjecting the aircraft to extreme aerodynamic forces and rendering recovery attempts futile. However, despite thorough analysis and exhaustive efforts, the investigative team was unable to definitively establish the precise underlying cause of this sudden and critical nose-down pitching maneuver. This specific aspect remains a key, unresolved question from the inquiry, highlighting the inherent complexities often encountered in aviation accident investigations where a singular, unambiguous root cause can sometimes prove elusive. The findings underscored the challenges of aviation safety in adverse weather conditions and the critical importance of crew procedures during instrument approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions About SCAT Airlines Flight 760

When did SCAT Airlines Flight 760 crash?

SCAT Airlines Flight 760 tragically crashed on January 29, 2013.

Where did SCAT Airlines Flight 760 crash?

The accident occurred near the village of Kyzyltu, Kazakhstan, while the aircraft was on approach to Almaty International Airport (UAAA).

What type of aircraft was involved in the SCAT Airlines Flight 760 accident?

The flight was operated by a Bombardier CRJ-200 regional twinjet, designed for short to medium-haul flights.

How many people died in the SCAT Airlines Flight 760 crash?

All 21 individuals on board were killed, including 16 passengers and five crew members.

What was the determined cause of the SCAT Airlines Flight 760 crash?

The investigation determined that the aircraft descended abruptly after pitching nose-down, but it was unable to definitively establish the root cause of this sudden and critical maneuver.