Ethan Guo, the 19-year-old pilot, is being held on King George Island for submitting a false flight plan during his record-breaking expedition.
American Teen Pilot Detained in Antarctica Amidst Record-Breaking Journey
American Teen Pilot Detained in Antarctica Amidst Record-Breaking Journey
An American teenager's ambitious flight across all continents faces a significant setback after authorities detained him in Antarctica.
An American teenager, Ethan Guo, aspiring to become the first pilot to fly solo to all seven continents, faced a major setback when he was detained by Chilean authorities on King George Island in Antarctica. Guo, 19, had embarked on an extraordinary journey that has captivated an online audience of over one million followers. However, his plans were halted when he allegedly submitted a false flight plan leading to alerts being triggered by Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics.
After taking off from Punta Arenas in southern Chile, Guo landed on King George Island, which hosts several international research stations. The Chilean authorities reported that Guo deviated from his initial flight plan, which only authorized flying over Punta Arenas, resulting in his detention at Teniente R. Marsh airport. He has been charged under articles of the country's aeronautical code, and could face short-term imprisonment for these violations, alongside potentially breaching the Antarctic Treaty.
Guo, who has successfully flown to every other continent within 140 days, aimed to fundraise $1 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through this unique journey. He reassured his followers via social media that he was safe and would provide updates soon. As this story unfolds, it raises questions about aviation safety regulations and the complexities of international treaties governing uninhabited territories like Antarctica.
After taking off from Punta Arenas in southern Chile, Guo landed on King George Island, which hosts several international research stations. The Chilean authorities reported that Guo deviated from his initial flight plan, which only authorized flying over Punta Arenas, resulting in his detention at Teniente R. Marsh airport. He has been charged under articles of the country's aeronautical code, and could face short-term imprisonment for these violations, alongside potentially breaching the Antarctic Treaty.
Guo, who has successfully flown to every other continent within 140 days, aimed to fundraise $1 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through this unique journey. He reassured his followers via social media that he was safe and would provide updates soon. As this story unfolds, it raises questions about aviation safety regulations and the complexities of international treaties governing uninhabited territories like Antarctica.
