Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old American pilot and social media influencer, was detained by Chilean authorities after landing his Cessna 182 aircraft without authorization at the Teniente Marsh aerodrome on King George Island in Antarctica. Guo, who is on a solo mission to fly across all seven continents to raise $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, modified his flight plan without notifying air traffic control, prompting emergency protocols and a search operation by the Chilean Air Force. It was an illegal activity — but for one heck of a cause.
Photo: Ion Mes/Shutterstock
Teenager Illegally Flies Plane to Antarctica, Gets Detained by Chilean Authorities
@aaronrheins Teenage Social Media Star Illegally Flies to Antarctica #news #aviation #antarctica #cessna #pilot ♬ original sound – Aaron Rheins
Guo’s journey, which began on May 31, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee, aims to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research, inspired by his cousin’s battle with the disease. He has documented his travels to over 60 countries on social media, amassing more than 1.2 million followers.
ethansflightagainstcancer.com
The unauthorized detour to Antarctica violated Chile’s Aeronautical Code and the Antarctic Statute, leading the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) to file a formal complaint with the Public Ministry. Guo remains in custody pending legal proceedings. You can donate to support Ethan’s childhood cancer fundraising campaign via St. Jude. 