A significant ruling has come in the case of 19-year-old Ethan Guo, who, after being detained in Antarctica, can now return to his mission to raise funds for cancer research.
Teen Pilot Released: Charges Dropped After Antarctic Detention
Teen Pilot Released: Charges Dropped After Antarctic Detention
Ethan Guo's solo flight around the globe for cancer research faces a new turn following legal battle in Chile.
Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old American influencer and aspiring pilot, has seen the charges against him dropped after spending several weeks stranded on King George Island in Antarctica. The young aviator was accused of illegally landing his plane in Chilean territory during a solo trip aimed at raising funds for childhood cancer research.
The incident began when Guo embarked on an ambitious journey to become the youngest person to fly solo across all seven continents, aiming to collect donations for St Jude Children's Research Hospital. His journey, which began last year, took a surprising turn in June when he flew his Cessna 182Q aircraft from Punta Arenas, Chile, directly to King George Island. Upon landing, he was taken into custody due to allegations of providing misleading information in his flight plan.
Initially facing potential charges for unauthorized landing and false information submission, a judge ruled in his favor on Monday, dropping the charges. Though he is required to pay a $30,000 (£22,332) donation to a children's cancer foundation, he is also banned from re-entering Chilean territory for three years.
Following the court's decision, Guo expressed his eagerness to continue his journey. "I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight," he said. "I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission." Having spent the past few weeks at a military base on the island, harsh weather conditions prevented him from traveling to other areas in Chile.
With a total of 140 days spent in the air so far, Guo's flight aims to raise $1 million for childhood cancer research, motivated by his cousin's recent cancer diagnosis. The young pilot's journey continues, as he strives to make a significant impact on cancer research while completing his ambitious flight around the world.
The incident began when Guo embarked on an ambitious journey to become the youngest person to fly solo across all seven continents, aiming to collect donations for St Jude Children's Research Hospital. His journey, which began last year, took a surprising turn in June when he flew his Cessna 182Q aircraft from Punta Arenas, Chile, directly to King George Island. Upon landing, he was taken into custody due to allegations of providing misleading information in his flight plan.
Initially facing potential charges for unauthorized landing and false information submission, a judge ruled in his favor on Monday, dropping the charges. Though he is required to pay a $30,000 (£22,332) donation to a children's cancer foundation, he is also banned from re-entering Chilean territory for three years.
Following the court's decision, Guo expressed his eagerness to continue his journey. "I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight," he said. "I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission." Having spent the past few weeks at a military base on the island, harsh weather conditions prevented him from traveling to other areas in Chile.
With a total of 140 days spent in the air so far, Guo's flight aims to raise $1 million for childhood cancer research, motivated by his cousin's recent cancer diagnosis. The young pilot's journey continues, as he strives to make a significant impact on cancer research while completing his ambitious flight around the world.
