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A 19-year-old American pilot’s ambitious mission to fly solo across all seven continents hit a legal roadblock after he was detained by Chilean authorities for unauthorized entry into Antarctica. The young aviator, Ethan Guo, is now facing charges for violating both national and international aviation regulations after allegedly altering his flight route without approval.
I. Unauthorized Flight Sparks Legal Trouble
1. Unapproved Detour to Antarctica
Chilean prosecutors stated that Ethan Guo submitted an inaccurate flight plan, declaring that he intended to fly over Punta Arenas. However, he instead diverted his Cessna 182Q aircraft, registered as N182WT, toward Antarctica without prior clearance, landing at Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base, a Chilean outpost in Antarctic territory.
2. Accusations of Endangering Air Safety
Regional Prosecutor Cristian Crisosto Rifo emphasized that Guo’s unauthorized detour posed a significant threat to regional air traffic. By submitting false information and flying into a restricted zone without notice, the teen allegedly violated Chile’s Aeronautical Code and breached several international protocols governing access to Antarctica.
II. Pilot’s Defense and Circumstances
1. Claims of In-Flight Challenges
Guo’s attorney, Karina Ulloa, spoke at a press conference following his formal charges, explaining that the young pilot encountered unexpected “complications” mid-air. According to Ulloa, Guo asserted that the flight was intended as an exploratory mission to assess the feasibility of continuing the Antarctic leg of his journey.
2. Ongoing Detention in Antarctic Territory
Following his landing and arrest, Guo was ordered to remain in the Chilean-controlled portion of Antarctica. The Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a 90-day investigation during which the teenager is barred from returning to the city of Punta Arenas or leaving the country.
3. No Public Statement from the Pilot
CNN reached out for Guo’s personal response but has not yet received a comment. The young pilot has been documenting his global journey on social media, where he promotes his goal of raising $1 million for cancer research. His most recent public post, dated June 23, featured a flight over the Philippines.
III. Broader Mission and Legal Context
1. A Record-Setting Aviation Attempt
Guo’s solo expedition across the seven continents has captured the attention of over a million Instagram followers since he launched the mission in September. His goal is not just to make aviation history, but also to support a charitable cause—fundraising for cancer research through his daring feat.
2. Legal Complications Could Jeopardize Mission
Despite the inspirational nature of his mission, Guo now faces serious consequences that could derail his journey. Authorities allege that his actions compromised aviation protocols, particularly those governing sensitive and ecologically significant zones like Antarctica.
3. Chilean Government’s Firm Stance
Officials in Chile are treating the case seriously, highlighting the importance of strict compliance with flight regulations in regions with heightened environmental and operational sensitivity. Their decision to detain Guo reflects a commitment to upholding aviation safety and territorial governance in Antarctic airspace.
Conclusion
Ethan Guo’s bold pursuit of aviation history has encountered legal turbulence after his unsanctioned landing in Antarctica. While his journey was aimed at raising funds and awareness for a noble cause, his decision to alter flight paths without proper authorization has placed him at odds with Chilean law. As the investigation proceeds, his dream of completing the seven-continent solo flight hangs in the balance.
