Authorities in Antarctica have detained a teen influencer from the US during his attempt to fly solo to all seven continents across the globe.
19-year-old Ethan Guo has been flying across the world in a small airplane with the goal of raising money for charity. The mission statement on his website, Ethan’s Flight Against Cancer, reads, “Inspired by his cousin’s battle with cancer, 19-year-old pilot Ethan Guo is embarking on a historic solo flight across all seven continents to raise $1 million for cancer research and awareness through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.” Guo also has 1.3 million followers on Instagram as he documents his journey. He started his trip in Memphis, Tennessee, on September 24, 2024.
According to a report by CNN, the influencer’s voyage has hit a snag. Authorities in Chile have reportedly detained him for changing his flight plan without their knowledge and landing in Antarctica. The outlet explains Chilean prosecutors say Guo broke “multiple national and international regulations.” He allegedly landed in a part of Antarctica where Chile maintains a territorial claim.
Authorities Accuse The Influencer Of Submitting A False Flight Plan
Cristian Crisosto Rifo, the Regional Prosecutor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, reportedly explained that Guo “provided false information to the aeronautical authority.” Rifo claims the influencer submitted a plan stating he would fly over the city of Punta Arenas. Instead, authorities say he continued into Antarctica without authorization. He ultimately landed at “the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory.”
The prosecutor explained that the maneuver “seriously endangered the safety of air traffic to Antarctica and the Magallanes region.” In his defence, Guo’s lawyers allegedly said that the influencer “began to experience a series of complications” mid-flight. CNN also reveals that Guo’s lawyer said his client was “conducting an exploratory flight to see if he could follow this route or not.”
The outlet details that the prosecutor’s office says the young pilot must stay where he is until authorities say otherwise. The Chilean court has reportedly allotted 90 days for the investigation. Guo must remain in Chile until the inquiry concludes.