Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old American pilot, was apprehended on King George Island in Antarctica after submitting a misleading flight plan. His ambitious project aims to be the first to fly solo across all seven continents in a Cessna.
Teen Pilot Detained in Antarctica for False Flight Plan
Teen Pilot Detained in Antarctica for False Flight Plan
Teenage aviator Ethan Guo finds himself in custody on King George Island, halting his global flying mission.
An American teenager's dream of flying solo across all continents faced a significant setback as authorities detained him on an Antarctic island. Ethan Guo, 19, was taken into custody by Chilean officials for submitting a false flight plan tied to his broader journey, which is being followed by over a million people online.
The incident occurred on King George Island, part of Antarctica and home to various international research stations that endure temperatures often below freezing in July. Guo had taken off from Punta Arenas, located near the southern tip of Chile, attempting to navigate to the island, which is claimed by Chile and named after King George III of England. Upon landing at Teniente R. Marsh airport, the young pilot triggered alert responses due to discrepancies in his submitted flight plan.
Regional prosecutor Cristian Cristoso Rifo revealed that Guo had intended to fly only over Punta Arenas rather than continuing to King George Island. Now facing charges for violating sections of the Chilean aeronautical code, Guo's situation may lead to short-term imprisonment. Additionally, reports state that he contravened the Antarctic Treaty, an agreement governing international conduct on the uninhabited continent.
Despite these alarming developments, Guo offered a brief update to his followers on social media platform X, assuring them of his well-being. Prior to this incident, he had successfully flown his Cessna 182 to all other continents over a span of more than 140 days. His mission is not only ambitious, as he strives to become the first solo pilot to circumnavigate all seven continents, but he is also dedicated to raising $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The future of his journey now hangs in the balance as he confronts legal challenges in one of the world's most remote regions.
