Paraglider Nearly Freezes to Death After Being Sucked Up 28,000 Feet into Clouds

A veteran paraglider miraculously survived a rare and perilous event where he was lifted by clouds to an altitude of 28,210 feet (8,600 meters). Pictures and clips of Chinese paraglider Liu Ge dealing with extreme conditions, including low oxygen levels and temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, went viral online. The incident occurred when Liu Ge took off from the Qilian Mountains, but got caught in a cumulonimbus cloud that carried him higher and higher.

The phenomenon known as ‘cloud suck’ is documented and is caused by thermal lift under cumulus clouds, particularly towering cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds. Pilots have reported struggling to descend in strong cloud suck despite attempts to spiral down rapidly.

Liu Ge, who was not equipped for such high altitudes due to Chinese flight regulations, lacked an oxygen mask and warm clothing. However, he managed to communicate with friends on the ground and eventually descended safely despite experiencing oxygen deficiency and freezing hands.

The paraglider’s story gained widespread attention on social media, leading to an official investigation as he failed to report the flight as required. While many hailed his flight as record-breaking, Liu Ge urged people to not sensationalize it due to potential legal consequences.