China Southern Airlines Flight 3943 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight traveling from Guangzhou to Guilin, China. On approach to Guilin Qifengling Airport, the Airbus A310-300 experienced a catastrophic failure while attempting to land. According to reports, the flight crew faced difficulties with the landing gear and various navigational systems, contributing to a loss of control as the aircraft neared the runway. Despite attempts to regain altitude, the aircraft crashed into a mountainous region approximately 2.3 kilometers from the airport. All 141 passengers and crew on board were lost in the tragedy. This incident led to investigations by Chinese aviation authorities and raised significant concerns regarding the safety measures and regulations governing domestic airline operations at that time.

In the aftermath, the incident prompted national and international scrutiny of the aviation standards in China, particularly regarding pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and overall safety protocols in a rapidly growing aviation market. The findings culminated in reforms aimed at improving safety procedures that would eventually influence the modernization of the Chinese aviation industry. Additionally, the crash resonated deeply within the communities involved, affecting the perspectives on air travel safety and prompting a re-evaluation of aircraft technology and operational practices.