The aircraft involved in the accident was a Boeing 737-3Y0, registration B-2523, that was equipped with a twin CFMI CFM56-3B-1 powerplant.

With serial number 24913, it had its maiden flight on 10 May 1991 and was delivered new to China Southern Airlines on 23 May the same year.

During the descent towards Guilin, at an altitude of 7,000 feet (2,100 m), the captain attempted to level off the plane by raising the nose.

The plane's autothrottle was engaged for descent, but the crew did not notice that the number 2 power lever was at idle.

It is also the accident with the highest number of fatalities involving a China Southern Airlines aircraft.