American Teen Pilot Detained In Antarctica For Unauthorized Landing

Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old American pilot from Memphis, has been detained by Chilean authorities after landing without permission on King George Island in Antarctica, violating multiple national and international aviation regulations including the Antarctic Treaty. Guo, who is attempting to become the first person to fly solo to all seven continents while raising $1 million for cancer research, allegedly submitted a false flight plan indicating he would fly over Punta Arenas, Chile, but diverted to Antarctica instead. Chilean officials charged him with breaching two articles of the country's aeronautical code, one potentially leading to short-term imprisonment, and ordered a 90-day investigation during which Guo must remain in Chile. Guo's lawyer stated he encountered complications during the flight and made an unplanned exploratory landing. Despite the legal issues, Guo has raised over $100,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, though the fundraiser is not officially endorsed by the hospital. This incident jeopardizes the final leg of his ambitious journey across all continents.