Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old American aspiring aviator, was recently detained by Chilean authorities after landing his plane on an unapproved site in Antarctica. Guo was documenting his extraordinary expedition to fly solo to all seven continents for his social media followers—boasting over 1.3 million on Instagram and 329,000 on TikTok. Although initially taken into custody, he has since been released but is obliged to stay in Chile while his case unfolds.
The young pilot, who received his license at just 17 years old, had hoped to raise $1 million for cancer research with this daring adventure. Guo aimed to land on all seven continents, with Antarctica being the last on his list. On Saturday morning, after filing a flight plan that suggested he would circle back to the city of Punta Arenas, he diverted his flight, leading to an unexpected landing on King George Island.
Chilean officials have stated that Mr. Guo can leave the island under certain conditions, marking a twist in what was intended to be a celebratory moment in his ambitious journey. As the aviation community and his followers await further details, Guo remains determined to fulfill his dream, despite the legal hurdles now surrounding his extraordinary quest.
The young pilot, who received his license at just 17 years old, had hoped to raise $1 million for cancer research with this daring adventure. Guo aimed to land on all seven continents, with Antarctica being the last on his list. On Saturday morning, after filing a flight plan that suggested he would circle back to the city of Punta Arenas, he diverted his flight, leading to an unexpected landing on King George Island.
Chilean officials have stated that Mr. Guo can leave the island under certain conditions, marking a twist in what was intended to be a celebratory moment in his ambitious journey. As the aviation community and his followers await further details, Guo remains determined to fulfill his dream, despite the legal hurdles now surrounding his extraordinary quest.
