A 55-year-old Chinese paraglider named Peng has shared his extraordinary tale of survival after being unintentionally lifted to an altitude of 8,598 meters without oxygen during a routine flight over the Qilian Mountains in northwest China’s Gansu Province.
On May 24, Peng, a certified B-level paraglider with over four years of experience, was conducting equipment tests at a training site approximately 3,000 meters above sea level. What began as a calm session quickly turned perilous when a sudden updraft pulled him into rapidly forming cumulonimbus clouds.
“I wanted to descend quickly, but I just couldn’t. I was lifted higher and higher until I was inside the cloud,” Peng recounted in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). Trapped inside the storm system, he faced temperatures dropping to minus 40 degrees Celsius and dangerously low oxygen levels.
Experts explain that Peng encountered a rare and hazardous phenomenon known as “cloud suck,” where strong convective updrafts carry paragliders to extreme altitudes. Professor Zhi Xiefei from Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology noted that such conditions can be life-threatening due to hypoxia and freezing temperatures.
Without an oxygen mask and with minimal protective gear, Peng endured icy conditions as frost formed on his face, body, and equipment. His partially unzipped gloves left his hands numb and nearly frozen. Despite these challenges, he managed to control his paraglider using a compass and maintained radio contact with his team.
“It was terrifying,” he admitted. “Everything was white. I couldn’t see any 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.”
After what must have felt like an eternity, Peng finally emerged from the cloud bank. “I’m finally out!” he radioed to his relieved teammates before managing a safe landing.
Reviewing his flight data later, Peng was shocked to discover he had reached an altitude of 8,598 meters—far higher than he had realized during the ordeal. He suspects he may have briefly lost consciousness while descending.
Now recovering, Peng reflects on the most frightening aspect of his experience: the repeated failures to regain control while spiraling blindly inside the cloud. His harrowing journey serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-altitude paragliding.
Experts urge paragliding enthusiasts to exercise caution, especially in mountainous regions where weather conditions can change rapidly. “Avoiding storm clouds and being prepared for sudden weather changes is crucial for safety,” they advise.
Peng’s story stands as a testament to human resilience and the unpredictable power of nature, reminding adventure seekers to always prioritize safety in their pursuits.
Cover image: Peng during his flight on May 24, 2023. /CMG
