• A paraglider got caught in a rare “cloud suck” and was lifted 27,800 feet into freezing skies.
• The pilot lost visibility, faced extreme cold, and nearly passed out from low oxygen.
• He survived but still feels lasting physical and mental effects from the ordeal.

Peng Yujiang, a 55-year-old paraglider from China, faced a terrifying ordeal on May 24. He was testing new paragliding gear in Gansu province. Suddenly, a rare weather phenomenon called a “cloud suck” grabbed him. This strong upward wind carried him 27,800 feet above the ground—higher than most commercial airplanes fly. The sudden lift surprised Yujiang and pushed him deep into thick clouds. The event was extremely dangerous because the air grows very thin and freezing cold at such heights. Yujiang had no control over his flight and struggled to stay alive in those extreme conditions.

What Is a Cloud Suck and Why Is It So Dangerous?

A “cloud suck” happens inside some clouds during certain weather conditions. Powerful upward air currents form and pull objects rapidly upward. Paragliders, small aircraft, and even birds can get trapped in these rising winds. Once caught, they rise quickly to dangerous altitudes. At these heights, the temperature drops below minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The air pressure also falls, making it harder to breathe. Pilots risk freezing and losing consciousness. Most people never experience a cloud suck, but when it happens, it can be deadly. For Yujiang, this rare event turned a normal test flight into a life-threatening situation.

Terrifying Video Shows Frozen Pilot Spinning Inside the Cloud

Yujiang had a camera fixed to his paraglider. The footage shows him soaring higher and higher into a thick white cloud. His face and clothes became coated with ice because of the freezing cold. The video, first shared on Douyin (China’s TikTok), quickly went viral. It captures the frightening moment when Yujiang lost all visibility and control. He said everything around him turned white, and he could not tell which way he flew. The paraglider spun uncontrollably, and Yujiang felt helpless. He wanted to come down fast but could not. The strong updraft pushed him deeper into the cloud, making escape impossible.

Pilot Faces Near-Freezing Cold and Lack of Oxygen

At almost 28,000 feet, the atmosphere becomes harsh and unforgiving. Yujiang’s body froze during the flight. His face and hands turned numb. The temperature likely dropped to around minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The thin air made breathing difficult. Yujiang said he may have lost consciousness at some point due to the low oxygen. Lack of oxygen at that height causes dizziness, confusion, and fainting. Despite his experience of over four years in paragliding, Yujiang nearly succumbed to the extreme environment. The combination of cold and thin air made the flight extremely risky.

Unexpected Incident During a Routine Equipment Test

Yujiang told China Media Group he did not plan to fly that day. He was simply testing how his new paragliding equipment fit. His intention was to stay on the ground, not to take off for a long flight. However, the powerful updraft caught him by surprise. One moment he was testing, and the next he found himself rapidly climbing miles into the sky. The accident reminds us how quickly things can change in outdoor sports. Even careful planning cannot always prevent danger. Yujiang’s story shows how unpredictable weather can turn a simple test into a life-or-death struggle.

After the Ordeal, Pilot Still Feels Lasting Effects

Yujiang survived but still faces some health effects. He told CCTV News that his hands and face remain numb. At first, his body swelled up from the cold and altitude. The swelling has gone down, but he still feels weak. The psychological impact also lingers. Yujiang admitted he feels uneasy whenever he recalls the flight. He plans to take a break from paragliding to recover fully. The near-death experience has shaken his confidence. It also highlights the physical and mental risks extreme sports athletes face.

Yujiang Nearly Breaks World Record for Highest Paragliding Flight

Yujiang’s accidental ascent almost set a new record for the highest paraglider flight. The current record belongs to Ewa Wi?nierska, a German pilot. In 2007, Wi?nierska got caught in a tornado-like storm in Australia. The storm sucked her up to about six miles, or over 31,000 feet, for 45 minutes. She survived the ordeal mostly unharmed, which amazed experts. Yujiang reached nearly 28,000 feet, close to Wi?nierska’s record. His story adds to the rare cases of extreme heights reached by paragliders. It shows both the danger and thrill of this sport.

Why This Story Caught Global Attention

The dramatic footage and story quickly spread worldwide. Many viewers called the video terrifying but also inspiring. Yujiang’s survival amazed people who understand how deadly such flights can be. The incident raises awareness about the dangers of flying in unstable weather. It also reminds all outdoor enthusiasts to respect nature’s power. For pilots, the story stresses the importance of weather knowledge and safety precautions. Yujiang’s close call proves that even skilled pilots can face unexpected risks.