Teen pilot Ethan Guo charged for unauthorized Antarctica flight
- Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old pilot, attempted to fly solo to Antarctica for a charitable cause.
- Chilean authorities detained him for submitting a false flight plan and conducting an unauthorized landing.
- This incident raises concerns about aviation safety and the implications of his fundraising mission.
In late June 2023, Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old pilot from the United States, was detained by Chilean authorities while attempting to fly solo to Antarctica. Guo aimed to become the youngest person to fly across all seven continents and to raise $1 million for cancer research. He had been documenting his journey on Instagram, attracting considerable attention with over one million followers. Departing from Punta Arenas, Chile, Guo initially submitted a flight plan indicating he would fly only over Punta Arenas, but deviated from this route, leading to his landing in the unapproved area of Antarctica. Upon landing at the Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base, Guo was charged with providing false information to Chilean aeronautical authorities. Chilean Prosecutor Cristian Crisosto Rifo stated that Guo's unauthorized flight breached the Chilean Aeronautical Code and contributed to safety risks for air traffic to Antarctica. The flight plan falsely indicated that he would not continue beyond Punta Arenas, showing a significant disregard for proper aviation protocols. Guo's journey began in May 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. Inspired by a personal connection to cancer, his cousin's Stage-4 blood cancer diagnosis motivated him to embark on this ambitious trip. Prior to reaching Antarctica, Guo had traveled approximately 25,000 miles, documenting various flights over countries in Southeast Asia, which included stops in cities like Geneva and Heraklion, Greece. His aim was not only to achieve his goal of flying to all continents but to raise substantial funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as well. Learning to fly at the young age of 13, Guo obtained his pilot's license by 17. Before starting his journey, he acknowledged the risks involved in such an endeavor including safety concerns such as potential engine failure. The Chilean authorities have charged Guo for multiple violations related to his unauthorized flight and have expressed concerns about the implications of his solo excursion for air traffic in the region. The consequences of Guo's actions are significant as they not only lead to legal troubles but also jeopardize the larger mission of raising awareness and funds for cancer research, casting uncertainty over the continuation of his journey.