Charges Dropped Against Teen Pilot Detained in Antarctica

Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old American influencer and pilot, has seen the charges against him dropped, enabling him to pursue his goal of flying solo across all seven continents in support of cancer research.

Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old American pilot and influencer who has been stationed on King George Island in Antarctica since June, has had all charges against him dismissed. Guo had made headlines for his campaign to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents while raising funds for childhood cancer research. Local authorities claimed he illegally landed his Cessna 182Q aircraft in Chilean territory, accusing him of providing false flight plan details following his arrival.

The young pilot took off from Punta Arenas in southern Chile but landed on King George Island, a location recognized for its various international research stations. Guo was detained upon landing when officials noted discrepancies in his flight plan. Initially charged on June 29 with providing misleading information to ground control and unauthorized landing, a judge dropped the charges earlier this week.

Post-ruling, Guo expressed his eagerness to resume his journey. "I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight," he stated to the Associated Press (AP). "I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission."

Having spent the past six weeks in military quarters on the island, Guo had been prepared to explore other parts of Chile but was hindered by extreme weather conditions. Fulfillment of his trek is particularly meaningful to Guo, as he is seeking to raise $1 million for cancer research at St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, inspired by a family member's battle with cancer. With 140 days of flying already completed, he is optimistic about completing his ambitious mission.