American Teen Pilot Detained in Antarctica After Flight Plan Violation

Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old pilot, faces charges in Chile for violating aviation regulations, following his unexpected landing on King George Island, an area home to international research stations.

An American teenager, intending to make history as the first pilot to fly solo to all seven continents, has been detained on King George Island in Antarctica after allegedly filing a false flight plan. Ethan Guo, 19, was stopped by Chilean authorities due to a deviation from his original flight plan, prompting “alert protocols” to be activated. The Chilean General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics reported that Guo submitted a plan only to fly over Punta Arenas, the city from which he took off in his Cessna 182 aircraft, failing to notify authorities about his plans to travel further to the uninhabited continent.

Guo was apprehended after landing at Teniente R. Marsh airport on King George Island, a site known for its extreme cold and the presence of multiple international research stations. He faces charges for breaching two articles of Chile's aeronautical code, including one that could result in short-term imprisonment. Additionally, authorities allege Guo violated the Antarctic Treaty, which governs international relations concerning the region.

Despite the setback, Guo took to social media platform X to reassure his followers, stating, “I’m alive everyone, I’ll make an update soon.” Prior to this incident, Guo had successfully flown to all the other six continents during his journey, which has spanned over 140 days. His ambitious undertaking not only aims to set a record but also seeks to raise $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The developments surrounding Guo's journey have drawn significant attention, with over a million people following his progress online.