Young Influencer Pilot Detained After Unauthorized Landing in Antarctica

Ethan Guo, who aims to become the first person to fly solo across all seven continents and raise $1 million for cancer research, took off from Carlos Ibanez del Campo Airport in Chile on Saturday in a Cessna 182Q aircraft. According to his flight plan, he was only supposed to fly over Punta Arenas. However, authorities revealed that Guo deviated from his route and headed to Antarctica without prior notification or permission.

Chilean prosecutors stated that Guo “violated multiple national and international regulations” by landing in a region where Chile claims sovereignty. Guo’s lawyer claimed that the young pilot had encountered “a series of complications” during his flight.

Goal: First Solo Flight Across All Continents
According to Guo’s website, his mission is to become the first person to fly solo across all seven continents. Since September, he has been documenting his journey to his over one million Instagram followers. His last post on June 23 showed his flight over the Philippines.

Unauthorized Landing in Antarctica
Authorities stated that Guo provided false information to aviation authorities by claiming he would only fly over Punta Arenas. Instead, he proceeded to Antarctica and landed at Chile’s base in the region without authorization. This action reportedly posed a serious risk to air traffic safety.

Legal Consequences
Guo is currently required to remain in Chile’s Antarctic territory and can only return to Punta Arenas with official permission. A court has initiated a 90-day investigation into the case.