The resulting design is a single-engined low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction and a fixed nosewheel undercarriage.

The Z 43 shares 80% of its structure with the Z 42, but is fitted with a revised fuselage accommodating a four-seater cabin and a more powerful engine.

It proved less popular than its two-seat contemporary, and production ended in 1977 after 80 aircraft were built.

Pictures released by the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka indicate that they operated Czech-built Zlin Z-143 single-engine, four-seater light aircraft modified to carry four bombs mounted on the undercarriage.

Under heavy anti-aircraft fire, one of these aircraft crashed into the Sri Lanka Inland Revenue Department building in Colombo.