Paragliding Incidents Prompt Safety and Video Scrutiny

Recent paragliding incidents have drawn international attention, including the case of Chinese pilot Peng Yujiang, who claimed to reach over 8,600 meters after being swept up by a thundercloud near the Qilian Mountains. Subsequent investigations found that parts of Peng's widely circulated video were likely AI-generated, casting doubt on some details, though experts say such an ascent is technically possible. Peng survived but suffered frostbite and was suspended for six months for flying in unapproved airspace. In a separate incident, a paraglider died after falling into the sea off Tenerife, Spain, while another was rescued after crashing into a cliff at Stanwell Tops, Australia. These events highlight the ongoing risks in paragliding and the increasing scrutiny of extraordinary survival stories amid concerns about digital fabrications. Authorities in multiple countries are reviewing safety protocols and investigating potential regulatory violations related to these flights.