Amid sudden cloud vortex, a paraglider ascended perilously over the Qilian Mountains, facing severe cold and oxygen scarcity, yet lived to tell the tale.
At a Glance
- The paraglider ascended five miles into the sky due to rare cloud suction.
- Experienced severe frostbite and hypoxia during the incident.
- Captured the ordeal on camera with footage going viral.
- An investigation is underway due to flight approval violations.
Unexpected Ascension
A tense and extraordinary event unfolded when Liu Ge, a Chinese paraglider, was inadvertently drawn into a fierce cloud formation over the Qilian Mountains. This rare occurrence, often referred to as “cloud suction,” propelled him five miles above the peak. Liu took off from an altitude of approximately 9,850 feet but became trapped in swirling currents, elevating him to over 28,000 feet. Equipment malfunction played a critical role in this uncontrollable ascent, leaving Liu exposed to nature’s harshest elements.
Survivor Against Odds
Despite the absence of an oxygen mask, Liu astonishingly maintained consciousness during the entirety of the flight. Battling oxygen deprivation, or hypoxia, alongside blistering cold, he remained lucid. Liu communicated constantly over the radio throughout the harrowing event. “I just kept communicating over the radio the entire time,” he shared, emphasizing the ordeal’s severity and his survival instincts.
“I felt oxygen deficiency and my hands were freezing,” Liu recounted, “but I kept communicating via the intercom.” Miraculously, Liu’s strength of mind enabled him to land safely, alive albeit frostbitten. This resilience has sparked admiration and started discussions on the dangers of such unapproved flights among the paragliding community.
Investigation and Regulation
Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the unauthorized nature of Liu’s flight. Regulations in China demand formal approval from air traffic control and compliance with specific airspace norms. Breaches of these rules can result in warnings, fines, or even criminal charges. The spotlight remains on the need for adherence to safety standards and flight plan approvals for paragliders.
As Liu recovers in the hospital from frostbite, paragliding enthusiasts and authorities continue examining the situation. This incident has reinvigorated the conversation around flight safety, urging individuals to strictly follow guidelines to prevent similar near-death experiences.
