Chinese paraglider banned after updraft takes him to 27,800ft

A Chinese paraglider who was accidentally propelled to an altitude of more than 27,800ft (8,500 metres) by a sudden updraft has been banned from the activity for six months after a video of his ordeal went viral.

- Helen Davidson

Peng Yujiang began from an elevation of about 10,000ft above sea level in the Qilian mountains in northern China, where he had intended to test equipment without making a proper flight, according to an investigative report by the Gansu provincial aviation sports association.

However, about 20 minutes into his flight he was caught in a strong updraft. Video from a camera on Peng's paraglider showed him above the clouds and covered in icicles as the temperature dropped to -35C.