Chinese Paraglider Survives Harrowing Ascent to Over 28,000 Feet
A paraglider in China, Peng Yujiang, experienced an extraordinary and terrifying event as he was unexpectedly lifted to an altitude of 28,208 feet while testing his equipment. This incident occurred over northwest China's Gansu Province when he was initially flying just below 10,000 feet above sea level.
During the test flight, a sudden and powerful updraft caught Peng off guard. "After a while, the wind suddenly picked up and lifted me into the air. I tried to land as soon as possible, but I failed," he recounted to Chinese Central Television (CCTV).
The seasoned 55-year-old paraglider found himself trapped within a cumulonimbus cloud system. This phenomenon, known as "cloud suck," entails strong updrafts that can dramatically elevate paragliders to extreme altitudes. As Peng ascended, he described his surroundings turning completely white, stating, "It was terrifying -- everything around me was white. I thought I was flying straight, but in reality, I was spinning." This disorienting experience reflects the potential dangers faced by those who engage in extreme sports.
At nearly the same height as Mount Everest, the gravity of the situation became evident. The footage captured from a 360-degree camera mounted on his gear illustrates Peng navigating through thick clouds, with ice forming around his exposed face and equipment in the frigid conditions.
Despite the visual calmness displayed in the video, Peng candidly confessed the fear that accompanied the ordeal. "It's still frightening to think about. I'm not sure about the future, but for now I definitely won't fly for a while," he expressed. Following the incident, he received a six-month suspension from flying, as it was determined that the flight site and the airspace had not been appropriately authorized beforehand.
This remarkable account underlines not only the challenges faced by adventurers like Peng Yujiang but also the necessity of adhering to regulatory protocols to ensure safety in aerial sports.
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