A paraglider in Gansu Province, China, had a frightening encounter last week when an equipment test turned into a chilling ascent to over 28,000 feet. Peng Yujiang, a 55-year-old experienced pilot, was performing standard ground handling training at 3,000 meters when powerful winds unexpectedly swept him skyward.
Paragliding Incident in China: Accidental Ascent to Extreme Altitudes
Paragliding Incident in China: Accidental Ascent to Extreme Altitudes
An unexpected paragliding adventure leads to icy heights and a six-month ban for the pilot.
Captured by his camera, the experience became a viral sensation, showing Mr. Peng’s face and body coated in frost as he reached an altitude that nearly matched Mount Everest. Struggling with the effects of extreme altitude, he reported feeling a dangerous lack of oxygen and frostbite on his hands.
In a post-incident interview with Sixth Tone, Mr. Peng recounted his harrowing experience, emphasizing the challenges he faced: “I kept trying to talk on the radio.” The sporting authority swiftly acted upon the alarming event, placing Mr. Peng under a six-month ban from paragliding, emphasizing the risks of flying without full control.
The local paragliding community is now reflecting on safety measures and equipment reliability, ensuring accidental ascents like Mr. Peng’s can be avoided in the future. As this story evolves, the interaction between safeguards and the thrill of the sport remains at the forefront of discussions.
In a post-incident interview with Sixth Tone, Mr. Peng recounted his harrowing experience, emphasizing the challenges he faced: “I kept trying to talk on the radio.” The sporting authority swiftly acted upon the alarming event, placing Mr. Peng under a six-month ban from paragliding, emphasizing the risks of flying without full control.
The local paragliding community is now reflecting on safety measures and equipment reliability, ensuring accidental ascents like Mr. Peng’s can be avoided in the future. As this story evolves, the interaction between safeguards and the thrill of the sport remains at the forefront of discussions.
