Ethan Guo’s audacious escape plan to become the youngest pilot to solo fly across all seven continents got him detained in Antarctica, charged with breaching international aviation laws.
At a Glance
- Young pilot Ethan Guo detained in Antarctica for unauthorized landing.
- Charged with filing a false flight plan by Chilean authorities.
- Goal to raise $1 million for cancer research in honor of his cousin.
- Faces 90-day investigation in Chile under harsh conditions.
Ethan Guo’s Antarctic Misadventure
At just 19 years old, Ethan Guo, an ambitious pilot from Memphis, found himself in legal hot water. His mission to become the youngest pilot to fly solo to all seven continents ended in detention at the Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base, Antarctica. Guo allegedly violated international protocols with his unsanctioned landing, leading to accusations from the Chilean authorities of filing a bogus flight plan originating from Punta Arenas, Chile.
Guo’s endeavor wasn’t just about personal accolades; his journey aimed to raise a substantial $1 million for cancer research, a cause close to his heart. Guo drew inspiration from his cousin’s battle with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Despite these noble intentions, his journey now strains under legal scrutiny, facing charges under multiple international regulations and the Antarctic Treaty.
Watch: Teen pilot influencer arrested after unauthorised landing in Antarctica
Alleged Legal Violations and Consequences
Regional Prosecutor Cristian Crisosto Rifo stated, “The accused provided false information to the aeronautical authority. He submitted a flight plan indicating that he was going to fly over the city of Punta Arenas.” Ironically, what should have been a breach-defying flight turned into a legal nightmare for Guo as he now awaits justice in chilly isolation.
“The accused provided false information to the aeronautical authority. He submitted a flight plan indicating that he was going to fly over the city of Punta Arenas.” – Regional Prosecutor Cristian Crisosto Rifo.
Compounding his problems, Guo’s little misdirection activated emergency protocols and grabbed the attention of Chile’s General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics. Guo’s legal counsel argued that unforeseen complications forced him to divert from his original course and land in Antarctica unintentionally, emphasizing he faces a harsh 90-day legal inquiry confined to Chile.
Facing Legal and Environmental Challenges
Guo remains on Antarctic territory, stranded by severe weather affecting his return to Chile for further proceedings. While he seeks to inspire others by documenting his adventures through his Instagram.
A 19-year-old pilot has been detained in Chile after altering his flight plan and making an unauthorized solo flight to Antarctica
Ethan Guo is trying to fly to all 7 continents to raise $1M for cancer research pic.twitter.com/zQxEmCoEpl
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) July 2, 2025
Even a daring young adventurer like Guo, with over 700 hours of flight experience, can find himself grounded amidst procedural pitfalls and unpredictable weather. This unexpected turn of events leaves his mission to help combat cancer hanging in the balance as he navigates complex legal terrain.
