American Teen Pilot's Antarctic Adventure Hits Snag as Detention Occurs

Detained by Chilean authorities on King George Island, Ethan Guo's ambitious goal of completing a solo journey to every continent is now in jeopardy after violating aeronautical regulations and the Antarctic Treaty.

An American teenager's quest to become the first pilot to fly solo to every continent has hit a serious complication. Ethan Guo, 19, was detained on King George Island, Antarctica, after Chilean authorities discovered discrepancies in his flight plan. Guo, who has amassed over a million online followers, is on a mission that includes raising $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

According to a statement from Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics, Guo was apprehended after he submitted a false flight plan and deviated from the approved route, triggering alert protocols. Having launched from Punta Arenas, Chile, the teenager's journey led him to land at the Teniente R. Marsh airport, where he was taken into custody.

Regional prosecutor Cristian Cristoso Rifo disclosed that Guo had intended to fly only over Punta Arenas according to his initial plan, but evidently went beyond that boundary. He faces charges for violating two articles of Chile's aeronautical code, one of which prohibits actions that could lead to imprisonment.

Additionally, officials reported that Guo's actions may have contravened the Antarctic Treaty, which governs international relations regarding the continent, primarily known for its uninhabited status.

Despite the legal challenges, Guo managed to post on social media, reassuring his followers with: “I'm alive everyone, I’ll make an update soon.” His initial journey has already covered six continents over 140 days, making the current setback particularly disheartening for his supporters following his progress online.