Camilla Jessen
Ethan Guo’s solo flight to all seven continents halted by Chilean authorities.
A 19-year-old American pilot and social media influencer, Ethan Guo, has been detained by Chilean authorities after landing his plane without authorization in Antarctica.
Guo is on a mission to fly solo across all seven continents to raise $1 million for cancer research.
According to CNN, he is now facing legal consequences for violating aviation regulations.
Unplanned Detour
Guo departed from Punta Arenas, Chile, in his Cessna 182Q aircraft, submitting a flight plan that indicated he would remain in the vicinity of the city.
However, he altered his course mid-flight and landed at the Teniente Rodolfo Marsh Base on King George Island in Antarctica without notifying air traffic control.
This unauthorized change triggered emergency protocols and led to his immediate detention upon landing .
Chilean prosecutors have charged Guo with providing false information to aviation authorities and violating both national and international regulations concerning Antarctic airspace.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) stated that his actions endangered operational safety and breached the Antarctic Treaty, which governs activities on the continent .
Guo’s attorney, Karina Ulloa, claimed that the young pilot encountered unforeseen complications during his flight, prompting the decision to land in Antarctica.
She described the landing as an exploratory maneuver to assess the feasibility of the route.
Despite these assertions, Chilean authorities have imposed travel restrictions on Guo, requiring him to remain in the country and report monthly while the investigation proceeds .
A Mission Inspired by Personal Loss
Guo’s journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, in May 2024, inspired by his cousin’s battle with cancer.
With over 700 hours of flight experience, he aimed to become the first person to fly solo to all seven continents, using his journey to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research.
His efforts have garnered significant attention on social media, amassing over a million followers .
