Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old pilot, has gained international attention after being apprehended by Chilean authorities on King George Island in Antarctica due to violations related to his flight plan, raising questions about the legality of his journey.
Teen Pilot Detained in Antarctica Amidst Record-Breaking Journey
Teen Pilot Detained in Antarctica Amidst Record-Breaking Journey
An American teen, aiming to fly to every continent, faces legal challenges after being detained on King George Island.
The American teen pilot, Ethan Guo, is making headlines after being detained on King George Island in Antarctica during his ambitious attempt to become the first person to complete solo flights across all seven continents. Guo, 19, was stopped by Chilean authorities after submitting a false flight plan, as reported by CBS News.
The incident unfolded as Guo’s small Cessna 182 aircraft touched down at Teniente R. Marsh airport on the island, which houses a host of international research stations and was experiencing typical July temperatures well below freezing. Upon departing from Punta Arenas, Chile, Guo had originally planned to fly only over the southern Chilean city, which prompted the activation of emergency alert protocols.
Chilean prosecutors have stated that Guo faces charges under two articles of the country’s aeronautical code, one of which could result in a brief prison sentence due to the seriousness of submitting a misleading flight plan. Furthermore, authorities indicated potential violations of the Antarctic Treaty, designed to regulate international relations concerning the uninhabited continent.
Despite his predicament, Guo remains hopeful. He took to social media platform X to reassure his followers, stating, "I'm alive everyone, I'll make an update soon." Prior to his detainment, he successfully flew to all six other continents over the course of 140 days, and he aims to raise $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
As Guo faces legal repercussions for his actions, people around the world are closely monitoring whether this adventurous teen will continue his journey or face a setback as he aspires to complete his record-setting goal.
The incident unfolded as Guo’s small Cessna 182 aircraft touched down at Teniente R. Marsh airport on the island, which houses a host of international research stations and was experiencing typical July temperatures well below freezing. Upon departing from Punta Arenas, Chile, Guo had originally planned to fly only over the southern Chilean city, which prompted the activation of emergency alert protocols.
Chilean prosecutors have stated that Guo faces charges under two articles of the country’s aeronautical code, one of which could result in a brief prison sentence due to the seriousness of submitting a misleading flight plan. Furthermore, authorities indicated potential violations of the Antarctic Treaty, designed to regulate international relations concerning the uninhabited continent.
Despite his predicament, Guo remains hopeful. He took to social media platform X to reassure his followers, stating, "I'm alive everyone, I'll make an update soon." Prior to his detainment, he successfully flew to all six other continents over the course of 140 days, and he aims to raise $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
As Guo faces legal repercussions for his actions, people around the world are closely monitoring whether this adventurous teen will continue his journey or face a setback as he aspires to complete his record-setting goal.
