Paraglider Vortex Incident: -40C Sky Fall Video
- A paraglider in China is blessed to be alive after being pulled thousands of feet into the air by a rare weather phenomenon known as "cloud suction." The...
- The paraglider, who has not been named, captured the harrowing experience on video.
- Without an oxygen mask, the man faced extremely cold conditions and potential hypoxia.
A paraglider in China survived a terrifying ordeal, soaring to over 28,000 feet after being caught in a “cloud suction” event.The video footage reveals the pilot battling extreme cold and hypoxia at the mercy of the qilian Mountain skies. News Directory 3 reports on this dramatic story—a harrowing account of human endurance against the elements. Authorities are now investigating, as the paraglider reportedly lacked a flight plan, raising serious safety concerns.Learn about the critical decisions that kept him alive and the potential consequences of this high-altitude adventure. Discover what’s next …
Chinese Paraglider Survives Harrowing “Cloud suction” Flight
Updated May 27, 2025
A paraglider in China is blessed to be alive after being pulled thousands of feet into the air by a rare weather phenomenon known as “cloud suction.” The incident occurred over the Qilian Mountains, where he was lifted to an altitude of more than 28,000 feet.
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The paraglider, who has not been named, captured the harrowing experience on video. The footage shows him ascending rapidly from his initial altitude of approximately 9,800 feet.
Without an oxygen mask, the man faced extremely cold conditions and potential hypoxia. The video shows the paraglider covered in frost as he dangled high above the clouds.
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Despite the extreme conditions, the paraglider managed to maintain consciousness and safely land his parachute. He reported experiencing hypoxia and frostbite.
“I just kept communicating over the radio the entire time,” he said.
An experienced paraglider, surnamed Ou, called the man’s survival “miraculous,” adding that few people could endure such high altitudes. Ou noted that paragliders typically prepare for cold weather, but at 26,000 feet, temperatures can plummet to -40 degrees, and oxygen levels are critically low.
The incident is under investigation by regulatory authorities because the paraglider reportedly did not file a flight plan or obtain airspace clearance. Local regulations require air traffic control approval for such activities, and deviations from planned routes are prohibited. Adverse weather conditions also restrict paragliding.
Violations can result in warnings, fines, or even criminal charges.