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Chinese Paraglider Grounded for Six Months After Viral 28,000-Foot Unplanned Ascent

China’s Gansu aviation association imposed the suspension due to an unapproved high-altitude ascent accompanied by unauthorized footage release.

The video footage from Peng's glider showed him covered in ice
Image
A stock image of a paraglider in the sky. On TikTok a man was filmed swooping down to a grassy area in Sydney to warn people of the police's imminent arrival.
Peng Yujiang, 55, is seen paragliding, his body caked with ice.

Overview

  • On May 24, Peng Yujiang was testing new equipment at 3,000 metres in the Qilian Mountains when a rare “cloud suck” updraft carried him above 8,500 metres in subzero conditions without oxygen.
  • Video captured on his glider showed him coated in ice as he struggled to control the canopy amid whiteout, enduring temperatures down to −40°C and brief hypoxia before landing safely 30 kilometres from his launch site.
  • On May 28, the Gansu Provincial Aviation Sports Association issued six-month flight bans to Peng for unauthorized flying and to Gu Zhimin for posting the footage without permission.
  • Peng’s accidental ascent neared Ewa Wiśnierska’s 2007 paragliding altitude record of 9,946 metres, but authorities said the unregistered flight disqualifies it from official recognition.
  • Peng is recovering from frostbite and hypoxia and has said he will refrain from flying until his suspension concludes.