Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103 was a scheduled flight operating from Taipei to Hong Kong. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8, took off from Taipei Sung Shan Airport but suffered a catastrophic failure resulting in mid-air disintegration. Eyewitness accounts from the ground reported seeing the plane break apart, and debris spread across a large area. Local residents rushed to the crash site in hopes of assisting, but all 110 occupants succumbed to the incident. Investigations revealed that mechanical failures, particularly in the fuel system, were critical factors in the disaster. Flight data indicated a loss of control shortly after takeoff, illustrating a combination of engineering flaws and pilot error.

The subsequent investigations were led by the Civil Aeronautics Administration alongside American experts, focusing on maintenance records and operational protocols. The findings highlighted systemic issues within Far Eastern Air Transport's operational practices, including inadequate training for emergencies. The crash brought significant scrutiny to the airline industry’s regulatory measures in Taiwan and emphasized the importance of international safety standards for aviation operations.

This tragic incident marked a pivotal moment in Taiwan’s aviation safety record and influenced regulatory reforms. The Taiwanese government undertook comprehensive reviews of training and operational procedures across multiple airlines, implementing stricter safety protocols. The crash, alongside others during the era, prompted a broader awareness of aviation safety, leading to enhanced international cooperation in aerospace regulations.