19-year-old Ethan Guo aimed to be the first to fly solo to all continents to raise $1M for cancer research — but landed in legal trouble in Antarctica
A Dream Flight Turns Into Legal Turbulence
An American teenager’s record-breaking charity mission took a sharp turn after he was arrested for landing in Antarctica without proper clearance.
Ethan Guo, 19, had been on a mission to “fly solo to all seven continents in a small aircraft and raise $1 million for cancer research,” as stated on his website. But Chilean authorities say the young pilot broke “multiple national and international regulations” after he diverted his flight plan and landed in Antarctic territory claimed by Chile—without notifying officials.
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“He Endangered Air Traffic Safety”
According to Cristian Crisosto Rifo, regional prosecutor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica:
“[He] continued toward Antarctica without informing anyone and without any authorisation, landing at the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory.”
He added:
“With this behaviour, the accused seriously endangered the safety of air traffic to Antarctica and the Magallanes region.”
Crisosto also confirmed:
“The accused not only violated the Aeronautical Code but also multiple national and international regulations regarding routes to Antarctica and access to the white continent.”
A Mission Inspired by Family
Guo’s motivation stems from personal tragedy:
“In 2021 my cousin was diagnosed with cancer. I admire him. He inspired me to take life more seriously and join the fight against cancer,” he writes on his campaign page.
He also states:
“My passion for aviation began at the age of 13… I earned my private pilot licence at 17. I am IFR-rated… I have flown to all 48 contiguous US states and crossed the Atlantic three times, amassing over 700 hours of flight time.”
Detained Pending Investigation
CNN reports that Guo took off from Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, in a Cessna 182Q aircraft—alone. His lawyer, Karina Ulloa, told the press:
“While in the air, [Guo] began to experience a series of complications.”
Chilean officials have now launched a 90-day investigation. During this time, Guo must remain in the region.
Sources: The Independent, CNN, Telegraph.
