Overview
- Peng Yujiang was swept from about 3,000 meters to 8,598 meters by a powerful updraft known as 'cloud suck' while testing second-hand paragliding equipment in the Qilian Mountains on May 24.
- He endured temperatures around –40°C and critical oxygen deprivation, suffering severe frostbite and hypoxia before steering his glider back to a safe landing.
- On May 29, the Gansu Aeronautical Sports Association suspended Peng and his friend Gu Zhimin for six months for conducting an unauthorized flight and breaching safety protocols.
- Analyses by GetReal Labs and NBC News found that key segments of the viral footage were AI-generated, prompting Reuters and other news agencies to remove the clip.
- The incident has prompted calls for stricter paragliding safety measures and new regulations requiring transparent labeling of AI-generated media.