Latest news with #EthanGuo
NDTV
08-07-2025
- NDTV
19-Year-Old American Pilot Detained In Antarctica For Landing Without Permission
A 19-year-old American pilot, attempting to fly solo across all seven continents, has been detained after going off course and landing in Antarctica without permission. According to CNN, Chilean authorities stopped Ethan Guo after he broke "multiple national and international regulations" by changing his flight plans without prior notice. He reportedly landed on a part of Antarctica where Chile maintains a territorial claim. His deviation from the plan in the air "activated alert protocols," said Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics in a statement. The 19-year-old, from Memphis, was taken into custody after landing on King George Island, CNN reported. His small Cessna 182 aircraft took off from the city of Punta Arenas, near the southernmost point of Chile, and flew to the island off the Atlantic coast, which is claimed by Chile. Chilean authorities accused Mr Guo of submitting a false flight plan. "The accused provided false information to the aeronautical authority. He submitted a flight plan indicating that he was going to fly over the city of Punta Arenas," said Cristian Crisosto Rifo, the Regional Prosecutor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, per the BBC. "However, he continued toward Antarctica without informing anyone and without any authorisation, landing at the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory. With this behaviour, the accused seriously endangered the safety of air traffic to Antarctica and the Magallanes region," the prosecutor added. Mr Guo has been charged with violating two articles of the country's aeronautical code, including one that could lead to short-term imprisonment. Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics said that the teen had also allegedly violated the Antarctic Treaty, which regulates international relations with respect to the uninhabited continent. Meanwhile, Mr Guo's lawyer said that the 19-year-old experienced "complications" while flying. "While already in the air, he began to experience a series of complications," Karina Ulloa said, adding that the teen pilot claims "that he was conducting an exploratory flight to see if he could follow this route or not." Notably, Ethan Guo is trying to raise $1 million for cancer research by becoming "the first person ever to fly to all seven continents solo". He has flown his Cessna aircraft to six continents in his journey spanning more than 140 days.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Yahoo
American teenager arrested after illegally flying to Antarctica
An American teenager who is trying to fly solo to all seven continents in order to raise money for cancer research, has been arrested after landing in Antarctica without permission. Authorities in Chile allege Ethan Guo, 19, broke 'multiple national and international regulations' after changing a flight plan without informing officials and landing in part of the Antarctic where it has a territorial claim. 'I want to become the first person in history to fly solo to all seven continents in a small aircraft and raise $1 million for cancer research,' Mr Guo writes on his website. He adds: 'In 2021 my cousin was diagnosed with cancer. I admire him. He inspired me to take life more seriously and join the fight against cancer.' CNN said that last weekend Mr Guo submitted a flight plan and took off from Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport in the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas. He was the only person on the Cessna 182Q aircraft. At some point, he started veering off course towards Antarctica. '[He] continued toward Antarctica without informing anyone and without any authorisation, landing at the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory,' Cristian Crisosto Rifo, the regional prosecutor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, said in a statement. He added: 'With this behaviour, the accused seriously endangered the safety of air traffic to Antarctica and the Magallanes region.' Mr Cristoso said as soon as he landed in the Antarctic, the young man was held and charged. 'The accused not only violated the Aeronautical Code but also multiple national and international regulations regarding routes to Antarctica and access to the white continent,' said Mr Crisosto. Mr Guo's lawyer, Karina Ulloa, told reporters that while in the air, her client 'began to experience a series of complications'. Officials have ordered a 90-day investigation, during which time Mr Guo must remain in the region. Mr Guo, who was born in China but lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, says on his website his 'passion for aviation began at the age of 13'. 'I earned my private pilot licence at 17,' he adds. 'I am IFR-rated, which means that I can fly using instruments alone, without visual ground reference. I have flown to all 48 contiguous US states and crossed the Atlantic three times, amassing over 700 hours of flight time.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
04-07-2025
- Telegraph
American teenager arrested after illegally flying to Antarctica
An American teenager who is trying to fly solo to all seven continents in order to raise money for cancer research, has been arrested after landing in Antarctica without permission. Authorities in Chile allege Ethan Guo, 19, broke 'multiple national and international regulations' after changing a flight plan without informing officials and landing in part of the Antarctic where it has a territorial claim. 'I want to become the first person in history to fly solo to all seven continents in a small aircraft and raise $1 million for cancer research,' Mr Guo writes on his website. He adds: 'In 2021 my cousin was diagnosed with cancer. I admire him. He inspired me to take life more seriously and join the fight against cancer.'
Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Indian Express
American teen pilot looking to raise $1 mn for cancer research detained on small Antarctica island
A 19-year-old pilot from the United States has been detained on an island in Antarctica after Chilean officials said he flew without proper authorisation. The incident has delayed his goal of flying solo to all seven continents, which has been followed by over a million people online. According to a report by the BBC, Ethan Guo was stopped after he landed on King George Island. Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics said Guo had submitted a false flight plan and changed his route mid-air, which triggered emergency protocols. Guo had planned to fly only over the city of Punta Arenas in southern Chile, but instead flew further south to King George Island. He was detained at Teniente R. Marsh airport, which serves research stations on the island, as reported by CBS News. Regional prosecutor Cristian Cristoso Rifo told CBS that Guo has been charged under two articles of Chile's aeronautical code. One of them could lead to a short jail sentence. The authorities also said he may have broken rules under the Antarctic Treaty, which controls activity on the continent. King George Island, where Guo landed, is located off the Atlantic coast of Antarctica and is claimed by Chile. It is home to several international research stations. Guo later posted on social media, saying, 'I'm alive everyone, I'll make an update soon.' As per BBC reporting, Guo has already flown his small Cessna 182 aircraft to six continents over a journey lasting more than 140 days. His goal is to fly solo to every continent and raise $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the US.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Ethan Guo? Teen influencer detained in Antarctica after failed cancer fundraiser flight across 7 continents
(Image via @theethanguo/X) Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old pilot and social media star, has gone from viral sensation to international headline after being detained on King George Island. His solo world flight to raise funds for childhood cancer took an unexpected detour when he landed unannounced in Antarctica. Now, he's grounded in Antarctica and is facing serious legal heat from Chilean authorities. Who Is Ethan Guo? Ethan Guo is no ordinary teen. He's a licensed pilot, content creator with over a million followers, and a self-proclaimed 'Gen-Z aviator with a cause.' In May 2024, he launched a solo mission to fly across all seven continents in a tiny Cessna 182Q—partly to break records, and partly to raise $1 million for paediatric cancer research, inspired by his cousin's cancer battle. The journey started in Memphis, Tennessee, and everything was going surprisingly well. Guo had touched down in nearly 60 countries and even raised over $105,000 before flying south towards Antarctica. That's when things got messy. The Antarctica Drama On June 28, Guo filed a flight plan to fly over Chile's Punta Arenas—but instead, he diverted and landed on King George Island in Antarctica without permission. Huge no-no. Chilean authorities weren't amused. According to prosecutors, Guo 'intentionally failed' to provide correct flight info and violated both aviation laws and international Antarctic regulations. He's now officially detained on the icy base and under a 90-day investigation for endangering air traffic. So… Is He Okay? Yes, he's safe. Guo posted a brief message online assuring fans he's under supervision and not in danger. But he's also not going anywhere anytime soon. Harsh Antarctic weather has grounded all flights off the island, leaving him stranded. And legally? He's in limbo. Chile hasn't decided whether to prosecute, deport, or let him go. For now, he's stuck—literally and legally. His Side of the Story Guo hasn't given a full statement yet, but his lawyer says the landing wasn't some rebellious stunt. Apparently, mid-flight 'complications' forced him to change course. Whether that means technical issues, bad weather, or poor planning, we don't know yet. Authorities aren't convinced. What Happens Next? The next steps are unclear. If charges are pursued, Guo could face fines or even legal action under Chilean and Antarctic laws. Even if he's released, it's unlikely he can continue the mission soon. Securing flight permissions after this incident? Tough. Rebuilding trust with sponsors? Tougher. His record-breaking dream may be grounded for good. Mission on Pause, Future Unclear Even if Ethan avoids trial or major penalties, his ambitious mission is now in limbo. The extreme Antarctic weather, the legal setbacks, and the reputational fallout could all jeopardize any chance of resuming his record-setting flight. From TikTok fame to frozen consequences, Ethan Guo's story is still unfolding—and it's unclear whether this was just a bump in the flight path or the end of the road. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
