An American teenager's ambition to fly to every continent has run into serious trouble, as Ethan Guo, 19, was detained on King George Island in Antarctica. Guo's attempt to break a record has garnered online attention from more than a million followers, but his plans hit a snag when Chilean authorities intervened. The young pilot allegedly submitted a false flight plan, prompting Chile’s General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics to activate alert protocols.
After landing on King George Island—home to various international research stations—Guo found himself in custody at Teniente R. Marsh airport. He had departed from Punta Arenas, located near Chile's southern tip, with plans to explore the extreme conditions of Antarctica. However, according to regional prosecutor Cristian Cristoso Rifo, Guo's flight plan only included Punta Arenas, not the intended island destination.
His actions violated two articles of Chile's aeronautical code, which could result in imprisonment. Additionally, it is suggested that he breached the Antarctic Treaty, an international accord governing activities on the otherwise uninhabited continent. Guo reassured his followers on social media, stating he was safe and would provide an update soon.
Over the course of his journey, Guo has successfully flown across six continents and aims to become the first pilot to achieve solo flights over all seven in a Cessna 182, while also raising $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
After landing on King George Island—home to various international research stations—Guo found himself in custody at Teniente R. Marsh airport. He had departed from Punta Arenas, located near Chile's southern tip, with plans to explore the extreme conditions of Antarctica. However, according to regional prosecutor Cristian Cristoso Rifo, Guo's flight plan only included Punta Arenas, not the intended island destination.
His actions violated two articles of Chile's aeronautical code, which could result in imprisonment. Additionally, it is suggested that he breached the Antarctic Treaty, an international accord governing activities on the otherwise uninhabited continent. Guo reassured his followers on social media, stating he was safe and would provide an update soon.
Over the course of his journey, Guo has successfully flown across six continents and aims to become the first pilot to achieve solo flights over all seven in a Cessna 182, while also raising $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
