A Chinese language paraglider narrowly escaped demise after being sucked almost 5 miles into the sky by a strong cloud vortex whereas flying above the Qilian Shan mountains in northern China. The dramatic incident, which occurred on Saturday, has prompted an official investigation. Liu Ge, the paraglider concerned, recounted being abruptly lifted into the environment to an altitude of roughly 26,400 toes — almost double the peak legally permitted below Chinese language aviation rules. The incident, often known as “cloud suction,” occurred shortly after he launched from a mountain 9,850 toes above sea degree.
Trapped in excessive situations, Liu mentioned he was uncovered to temperatures as little as -40°F and skilled extreme oxygen deprivation. “I had hassle respiratory, my fingers have been freezing, and I simply saved speaking over the radio all the time,” he informed native media. With out an oxygen masks, Liu mentioned he clung to his harness, enduring intense frostbite till he managed a protected touchdown.
On Might twenty fourth, Chinese language paragliding fanatic Peng Yujiang took off from a launch level at roughly 3,000 meters within the Qilian Mountains of Gansu Province.
He was then sucked right into a cumulonimbus cloud, which carried him to an altitude of 8,589 meters.
At this top, the… pic.twitter.com/HenJYktYDK
— China in Photos (@tongbingxue) Might 27, 2025
Footage of the incident, now circulating broadly on social media, exhibits Liu’s face and clothes coated in ice.
Consultants mentioned survival at such altitudes is uncommon. “Even at 6,500 toes, cold-weather gear is important. At over 26,000 toes, it is life-threatening,” mentioned Ou, an skilled paraglider, chatting with the International Instances.
Authorities have launched a probe into the incident, noting that Liu didn’t have air site visitors management clearance for his flight — a violation of China’s nationwide aviation sports activities rules. Beneath present guidelines, paragliding is prohibited above 16,405 toes, even with a sound license.
Officers at the moment are reviewing whether or not Liu’s unsanctioned flight breached security protocols and endangered restricted airspace.