In brief
A 55-year-old paraglider, Peng Yujiang, recently captured attention after a routine equipment test turned into a breathtaking but dangerous flight. On Saturday, in Gansu province, he ascended nearly 8,600 meters, or about 28,200 feet, during what was meant to be ground handling training at a much lower altitude. The incident, documented by his onboard camera, showcased severe weather conditions with Peng’s face and body covered in frost.
Originally testing his equipment at an elevation of 3,000 meters, strong winds unexpectedly lifted him, rendering him unable to control the glider as he soared above the clouds, reaching heights comparable to those near Mount Everest. In a video addressing the aftermath, Peng described the perilous situation, emphasizing the extreme lack of oxygen and freezing temperatures he encountered in the upper atmosphere. The local sporting authority responded to his near-disastrous adventure by banning him from paragliding for six months, a decision likely aimed at ensuring safety in the sport.
