Liu Ge is an experienced paraglider but he got into difficulty while flying over the Qilian Mountains in northern China when ‘cloud suck’ led to him losing control
A paraglider was left covered in ice after nearly freezing to death when he was blown nearly 20,000 feet higher into the sky.
Liu Ge took off from a mountain spot around 9,850 feet above sea level but he lost control of his glider when it was lifted up and continued to go higher and higher up to 28,210 feet. Cloud suck is a phenomenon where paragliders, hang gliders, and sailplane gliders experience a significant lift caused by the thermals under the base of cumulus clouds.
Liu, a seasoned paraglider, found himself being sucked up while flying over the Qilian Mountains in northern China. Regulations in the country restrict flights to below 16,405 feet and 9,850 feet is considered an impressive altitude but he went a lot higher.
Footage showed Liu stranded high in the air while covered in ice on Saturday (24 May), as reported by What’s The Jam. He didn’t have an oxygen mask on and his face was exposed to the freezing cold air.
But he managed to remain conscious throughout the chilling experience and eventually regained control of the paraglider. Liu was then able to make a safe landing.
He said afterwards: “I felt oxygen deficiency and my hands were freezing. But I kept communicating via the intercom.” Liu said temperatures can plunge to around -40 degrees Celsius at altitudes of over 28,000 feet.
Oxygen levels are also dangerously low. Liu, who holds a paragliding license, is recovering from his ordeal in hospital.
He reportedly failed to register his flight on the day in question. As the air traffic authorities did not approve the flight, including the take-off site, a police investigation is now underway.
Meanwhile, paraglider Mark Allison earlier this month captured the hilarious moment police nearly spoiled his fun as he soared into the skies to catch a glimpse of the sunset. His TikTok video, which boasts an impressive three million views in three days after he shared it, showed his encounter with the the boys in blue after touching down in a field.
“Has someone complained about me?” he queried, as police cars rolled up shortly after his landing. Mark reassured the two police officers who came over: “I’ve just landed, but I’m going to go up again in a minute and have a look at the sunset – the farmer lets me use it so it’s all good.”
The officers soon appeared impressed, however, and proceeded to learn more about his airborne hobby. One enquired: “How high did you get in that?” to which Mark responded: “I get to 10,000 feet, but you’re not supposed to stay there for too long as you get a headache… and it’s cold… it’s about minus 20C up there.”