In a tale that sounds straight out of an action movie, a 55-year-old Chinese paraglider, Mr. Peng, has shared his astonishing survival story. In a recent interview with China Media Group (CMG), he recounted how a routine test flight turned into a life-or-death ordeal.
On May 24, during a regular equipment test at a training site about 3,000 meters high in northwestern China's Gansu Province, Peng was caught off guard by a sudden, powerful updraft—an extreme phenomenon known as "cloud suck." This fierce wind pulled him into rapidly forming cumulonimbus clouds where temperatures plunged to negative 40°C, and oxygen was dangerously scarce. 😱
Inside the blinding white cloud, Peng faced a surreal struggle. Exposed to the bitter cold with ice crystals forming on his face and body, and with his gloves not fully zipped, he battled to regain control. Relying on his training, his compass, and constant radio contact with his team, he fought against the spinning chaos. As he later reflected, 'I wanted to come down quickly, but I just couldn't.' 🤯
Eventually, Peng emerged from the cloud, radioed his team with a relieved 'I'm finally out!' and managed to land safely. Reviewing his flight data, he was stunned to learn he had reached an altitude of 8,598 meters—far higher than he had ever imagined, and he suspects he may have briefly lost consciousness during his descent.
This dramatic experience serves as a stark reminder to all high-altitude enthusiasts: weather conditions can change in an instant, so always be prepared and never underestimate nature's power. Peng, who has been paragliding for over four years and holds a B-level license, is now recovering steadily from his ordeal.
Stay safe, and remember to check the weather—sometimes reality is more extreme than any blockbuster!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
