27-05-2025
Watch: Paraglider nearly freezes after vortex pulled him up to 28,000ft
Although the paraglider held a valid paragliding licence, Ge allegedly failed to file the necessary flight plan including obtaining airspace clearance for the launch site, according to reports.
Industry regulations restrict flights to below 16,000 ft with 9,000ft already considered an impressive altitude.
Those who breach regulations may be fined and even face criminal charges.
Police and aviation authorities in northwestern Gansu Province have launched an investigation into the incident.
Ou, a local paragliding enthusiast, said few people can survive such extreme altitudes and described Ge's mental resilience as 'extraordinary.'
'This is truly miraculous,' he said.
In 2007, Zhongpin He, a member of the Chinese paragliding team, was killed by a lightning strike after being sucked into a storm along with his partner Ewa Wisnierska in New South Wales, Australia.
Wisnierska managed to survive being pulled upwards 32,000ft and being battered by hailstones the size of oranges in temperatures of -40F to -50 ˚C.
