A judge has dropped charges against Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old American pilot who was detained in Antarctica. Following accusations of providing false flight information and unauthorized landing, Guo is now allowed to leave the area and continue his mission to raise funds for childhood cancer research.
Charges Against Teen Pilot in Antarctica Dropped: New Hope for Completion of World Flight
Charges Against Teen Pilot in Antarctica Dropped: New Hope for Completion of World Flight
Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old pilot and cancer research advocate, can now continue his quest to fly solo to all seven continents after legal hurdles in Antarctica are cleared.
Charges against an American teenager and influencer pilot, Ethan Guo, have been dropped, allowing him to pursue his ambitious goal of flying solo to all seven continents. Guo, 19, found himself stranded on King George Island in Antarctica since June, following allegations from Chilean authorities that he had illegally landed his aircraft and submitted false flight plans.
Guo, known for his endeavor to raise money for cancer research, began his journey last year with the hope of being the youngest person to accomplish such a feat. After successfully visiting six continents, he arrived at King George Island in a small Cessna 182Q after leaving Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon landing, he was detained due to concerns over his flight plan, which reportedly did not include his intended destination.
Initially charged with providing misleading information to ground control and unauthorized landing, Guo faced significant legal challenges. However, a judge ruled on Monday to drop these charges, though he will still have to leave the area and make a $30,000 contribution to a children's cancer foundation. Moreover, he is prohibited from re-entering Chilean territory for three years.
Post-ruling, Guo expressed his eagerness to depart, hoping for quick approval for his flight home, stating, "I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission." Meanwhile, he has been residing at a military base on King George Island for the last six weeks and is restricted from flying to warmer regions due to extreme weather conditions.
Guo’s mission to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, inspired by his cousin’s cancer diagnosis, hopes to generate $1 million. With 140 days logged in the air on his journey thus far, he aims to resume his flight and complete his historic challenge soon.
