Chinese paraglider Peng Yujiang had a near-death experience when a sudden gust of wind lifted him into the sky during what was meant to be a routine test of second-hand gear. The incident occurred above the Qilian Mountains in Gansu Province, China. According to reports, Peng was unexpectedly carried to an altitude of 8,598 meters (approximately 28,208 feet)—without any oxygen supply.
Footage from amateur sources and shared by state media shows Peng drifting high above the clouds, his face and clothes coated in ice. He later explained that he was testing a used paragliding harness on the ground when strong winds suddenly swept him off his feet and into the air. Despite trying to descend, he found himself trapped inside thick cumulonimbus clouds.
Peng described the situation as terrifying. Everything around him turned white, and without a compass, he couldn’t tell which way he was flying. Although he believed he was moving straight, he was spinning. He eventually managed to steer himself northeast and exit the clouds.
State media added that Peng may have briefly passed out during the ordeal. He said he was shocked to learn how high he had gone. With over four years of paragliding experience and a B-level certification, which requires a minimum of 20 flight days, Peng managed to maintain some control using his compass and radio communication with teammates, even though his hands were nearly frozen.
Peng admitted the scariest part was when he tried to stop spiraling mid-air but couldn’t, and when his canopy dropped nose-first. He said the moment he emerged from the clouds, he felt an overwhelming sense of relief.
For now, Peng says he’ll be taking a break from flying.
