Paraglider Achieves World Record but Faces Six-Month Suspension for Safety Violations

The Gansu provincial aeronautical sports association in Northwest China has reported that Peng Yujiang, who managed to survive a remarkable ascent to over 8,598 meters during a paragliding flight, has received a six-month flight suspension. The suspension stems from the fact that the flight's site and airspace had not been pre-approved, despite the successful breaking of the world paragliding altitude record.

During a flight in the Qilian Mountains, a video captured the moment when Peng was unexpectedly lifted into a cloud at an altitude higher than 8,598 meters. Initially, he intended to perform ground parachute shaking exercises at an altitude over 3,000 meters to ensure his equipment was functioning properly; however, a sudden gust of wind propelled him into the air unexpectedly. As the wind force increased, Peng found himself unable to land and experienced a phenomenon where he was sucked up into the cloud.

Even as he faced severe conditions, including extensive frostbite and loss of directional awareness, Peng attempted multiple maneuvers to escape the updraft but ultimately reached a height of 8,589 meters. According to reports, he experienced blurred consciousness and temporary coma due to the altitude and weather conditions, but a decrease in temperature eventually allowed him to regain some control and safely land at an altitude of 1,800 meters near Qifeng town in Sunan County, Gansu Province.

Following the incident, the association conducted an on-site investigation. They clarified that ground parachute shaking training does not necessitate prior approval, and the flight was deemed accidental. However, because the flight site and airspace were not sanctioned, which resulted in serious repercussions, a six-month suspension was issued against Peng. He is also required to submit a reflection report on the incident.

In addition to Peng, pilot Gu Zhimin faced a similar suspension for releasing footage of the flight without authorization, which further contributed to negative outcomes surrounding the incident. All flight activities in Jiayuguan city and Sunan County in Zhangye city have been halted until these locations receive the necessary approval for paragliding.