Peng Yujiang, a 55-year-old paraglider in China, was inadvertently lifted to an altitude of 8,500m due to a rare phenomenon while testing equipment. Struggling with low oxygen levels and extreme cold, he managed to survive the ordeal. Investigations are underway as Mr. Peng faces disciplinary action for flying without authorization.
Unintentional Ascent: Paraglider Survives 8,500m Rise due to Rare Air Current**
Unintentional Ascent: Paraglider Survives 8,500m Rise due to Rare Air Current**
A Chinese paraglider unexpectedly soared to extreme altitudes in a harrowing incident fueled by potent updrafts, resulting in a survival story that has captivated audiences.
A Chinese paraglider has astonishingly survived an unintentional flight that took him up to 8,500 meters (27,800 feet) into the sky above north-west China, as reported by state media. The incident involved 55-year-old Peng Yujiang, who was initially testing new equipment at an altitude of 3,000 meters over the Qilian mountains. Unexpectedly, he was caught in a "cloud suck," a rare updraft which propelled him an additional 5,000 meters into a dense cloud cover.
Footage of Mr. Peng's harrowing experience, captured by a camera fixed to his glider, has gained significant traction on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok. The viral clip displays a visibly distressed Mr. Peng, who described the terrifying moment as everything around him turned white, obscuring his sense of direction. "Without the compass, I wouldn't have known which way I was going. I thought I was flying straight, but in reality, I was spinning," he recounted to China Media Group.
The dramatic ascent raised significant safety concerns due to the scarce oxygen levels prevalent at such high altitudes, just shy of the 8,849 meters peak of Mount Everest, alongside the dangerously low temperatures that could descend to -40°C. Mr. Peng, reflecting on his ordeal, noted that he had difficulty controlling the glider, leading him to believe he may have lost consciousness during his descent. The most jarring part for him was regaining command of the glider while it spiraled uncontrollably through the sky.
In the aftermath of the incident, Chinese authorities have opened an investigation into Mr. Peng's unauthorized flight, leading to his suspension from paragliding activities for six months, according to the state-run Global Times. Initially, Mr. Peng had no intention of flying that day, as he was on the ground simply testing the fit and comfort of his parachute when strong winds unexpectedly lifted him into the air. The incident has opened discussions on paraglider safety, protocols for testing equipment, and the unpredictable dangers of aerial sports.
