US teen influencer Ethan Guo’s fundraising trip to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents has turned into a nightmare. Guo, who aimed to raise $1 million for childhood cancer research, landed his plane without permission on King George Island in Chilean territory near Antarctica. He was charged with handing false information to ground control and landing without authorization, both breaches of the Chilean Aeronautical Code.
Prosecutors claimed Guo violated “multiple national and international” rules governing access to Antarctica and posed safety risks for other air travelers. The unauthorized flight raised concerns about environmental protection in the region.
Guo was detained at the airport but later released to a military base on the island, where he stayed due to severe winter conditions. He was forced to abandon his Cessna 182Q plane due to lack of capabilities.
As part of an agreement with prosecutors and lawyers, Guo’s charges were dropped in exchange for a $30,000 donation to a children’s cancer foundation within 30 days. He must also leave Chile as soon as conditions allow and avoid reentering the country for three years. The court ordered Guo to pay all costs related to his stay at the military facility and cover expenses for his return.
Guo expressed relief over the outcome and awaits approval for his departure flight from Antarctica, hoping to continue with his original mission.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ethan-guo-antarctica-unauthorized-flight-stranded