Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old who aimed to fly solo to all seven continents for cancer research, has had charges dropped related to unauthorized landing in Chilean territory. Following a judge's ruling, he must pay a hefty donation but hopes to continue his mission soon.
Charges Against Teen Pilot in Antarctica Dropped, Still Stranded
Charges Against Teen Pilot in Antarctica Dropped, Still Stranded
An American teen pilot's legal troubles in Antarctica are behind him, but he remains stuck on King George Island awaiting flight approval.
Charges against an American influencer and teen pilot who has been detained on a remote island in Antarctica since June have been dropped. Ethan Guo, 19, was accused of illegally landing his Cessna 182Q plane in Chilean territory as part of his solo journey to all seven continents, which he undertook to raise funds for cancer research.
Local authorities accused Guo of providing false flight plan details that resulted in his detention and subsequent investigation. A judge's recent decision has cleared him of these charges but mandated a $30,000 donation to a children’s cancer foundation and a three-year ban from returning to Chile.
Guo rose to fame last year when he began his ambitious quest to become the youngest individual to achieve solo flights across all seven continents, collecting donations for childhood cancer research along the way. After successfully visiting six continents, he took off in June from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island—territory claimed by both Chile and the UK.
Upon arriving on King George Island, home to several international research stations, he was taken into custody due to the alleged unauthorized landing. He faced charges on June 29, but those were dismissed by the judge on Monday.
"I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight," Guo stated to the Associated Press following the ruling. "I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission."
According to reports, Guo has been residing at a military base on the island for over six weeks. Although allowed to travel to other parts of Chile, the harsh Antarctic conditions have kept him grounded.
Guo hopes to raise $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, stemming from a personal connection after his cousin was diagnosed with cancer. As of now, he has spent 140 days in the air and is eager to resume his mission.
Local authorities accused Guo of providing false flight plan details that resulted in his detention and subsequent investigation. A judge's recent decision has cleared him of these charges but mandated a $30,000 donation to a children’s cancer foundation and a three-year ban from returning to Chile.
Guo rose to fame last year when he began his ambitious quest to become the youngest individual to achieve solo flights across all seven continents, collecting donations for childhood cancer research along the way. After successfully visiting six continents, he took off in June from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island—territory claimed by both Chile and the UK.
Upon arriving on King George Island, home to several international research stations, he was taken into custody due to the alleged unauthorized landing. He faced charges on June 29, but those were dismissed by the judge on Monday.
"I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight," Guo stated to the Associated Press following the ruling. "I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission."
According to reports, Guo has been residing at a military base on the island for over six weeks. Although allowed to travel to other parts of Chile, the harsh Antarctic conditions have kept him grounded.
Guo hopes to raise $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, stemming from a personal connection after his cousin was diagnosed with cancer. As of now, he has spent 140 days in the air and is eager to resume his mission.
