American Influencer Released Chilean Antarctic Base After Unauthorized Flight

Ethan Guo, a 20-year-old American social media influencer and pilot, was released from a Chilean military base in Antarctica after two months of detention following an unauthorized landing on Chilean Antarctic territory. Guo, who was attempting to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents while raising funds for childhood cancer research, was fined $30,000 and banned from reentering Chile for three years. Chilean authorities accused him of falsifying his flight plan and violating airspace regulations by flying beyond approved routes without permission, while his lawyer argued he diverted due to poor weather and believed he had verbal authorization. During his detention, Guo endured harsh conditions but was treated respectfully, and upon release, he expressed gratitude for the hospitality he received. He must now donate the proceeds from his fundraising campaign to a childhood cancer foundation and leave Chile promptly. This incident highlights the complexities of aviation regulations and international territorial controls in Antarctica.