Ethan Guo, a teenage American influencer, set out last year to achieve two ambitious goals: become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents and raise $1 million for childhood cancer research through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
His journey took him across North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. His final leg was Antarctica, which he approached from Chile’s southernmost city, Punta Arenas—a common staging point for Antarctic expeditions.
Unauthorized Antarctic Landing Strands Guo on Remote Chilean Base Amid Legal Troubles
Prosecutors stated that Guo had clearance only to fly to Punta Arenas. Instead, he submitted a flight plan that did not include his true destination and proceeded to King George Island, roughly 75 miles off the Antarctic coast, which Chile claims as part of its territory.
This act was deemed to involve “false flight plan data” and unauthorized landing, both violations of the Chilean Aeronautical Code, which can lead to fines or short-term imprisonment. Guo was detained upon arrival on June 29, facing charges that also cited multiple breaches of national and international regulations governing Antarctic travel.
After being charged, Guo was required to remain in Chilean territory, which in practice meant staying on a military base on King George Island. Harsh winter conditions in the southern hemisphere made flights off the island unavailable, effectively stranding him.
His Cessna 182Q was also deemed incapable of making the necessary journey, though Chilean authorities did not specify the technical shortcomings. Guo’s detention was not in a prison, but his freedom of movement was severely limited due to the isolation of the location.
Charges Dropped, Settlement Allows Guo Hope to Resume Global Fundraising Flight
On Monday, the Chilean court dropped all charges against Guo under a settlement reached between prosecutors and his lawyers. The agreement required him to donate $30,000 to a children’s cancer foundation within 30 days to avoid trial.
Additional conditions included leaving Chile as soon as possible when travel becomes feasible, covering all personal and aircraft-related expenses incurred during his stay, and accepting a three-year ban from reentering Chilean territory.
Guo expressed relief at the legal outcome in a text message to the Associated Press. He is now awaiting clearance for his departure flight from Antarctica and is consulting with his lawyer to determine if he can resume his journey in his Cessna.
Despite the setback, Guo hopes to continue pursuing his original mission of flying solo to all seven continents to raise funds for cancer research. Whether his journey can be salvaged will depend on logistical approvals, flight readiness, and weather conditions in the coming weeks.
