Photo: Screenshot from the video

Local authorities have launched an investigation, following an incident in which a paraglider was sucked into a cloud and carried to 8,598 meters above sea level in the Qilian Mountain region of Northwest China's Qinghai and Gansu provinces.

On Saturday, a paraglider was drawn into a cloud at 8,598 meters above sea level during a flight in the Qilian Mountains and recorded the entire incident on video, the Guangming Daily reported on Tuesday.

The paraglider's takeoff altitude was over 3,000 meters, said the report. When the paraglider malfunctioned and became uncontrollable, it ultimately ascended to an altitude of over 8,000 meters, resulting in a vertical ascent of more than 5,000 meters.

Footage shows the man suffering extensive frostbite, yet he remained conscious and controlled the parachute until landing safely, according to the report.

The paraglider recalled experiencing hypoxia in the video, with his hands remaining exposed to extreme cold, having forgotten to put them back into his gloves.

"I just kept communicating over the radio the entire time," he recounted in the video.

An experienced paraglider surnamed Ou said that participants typically prepare cold-weather gear as temperatures at 2,000 meters are already frigid. At 8,000 meters, temperatures drop to around -40 C with critically low oxygen levels, domestic news outlet Jiupai News reported.

While there are global cases of cloud suction incidents reaching 6,000 to 7,000 meters, few people survive such extreme altitudes, Ou said, noting that "This is truly miraculous. His mental resilience was extraordinary." 

A source familiar with the matter stated that although the paraglider held a valid paragliding license, he failed to file the necessary flight plan for that Saturday's activity, including obtaining airspace clearance for the launch site, according to Jiupai News.

Relevant authorities are currently investigating potential regulatory violations related.

According to national aviation sports regulations, all aerial activities require prior airspace approval from air traffic control. Violators may face corrective orders from local sports administrations, with penalties ranging from warnings and fines to criminal charges in severe cases.

Global Times