American Teen Pilot Detained After Unauthorized Landing in Antarctica During Record-Breaking Global Flight

Ethan Guo behind the controls of the Cessna 182Q he’s been flying around the world since May 2024

A 19-year-old pilot from Memphis, Tennessee, attempting to become the youngest aviator to fly solo across all seven continents, has been detained after allegedly landing in Antarctica without proper authorization. Ethan Guo was apprehended on June 28 after flying off-course from his declared route and touching down at the Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base, a Chilean facility in the Antarctic region.

Guo, the sole occupant of a Cessna 182Q aircraft, had filed a flight plan from Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, indicating he would remain within the vicinity of the southern port city. Instead, Guo diverted his course and traveled south toward the Antarctic territory, prompting immediate concern from Chilean authorities.

Guo lands his plane at Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory on King George Island on June 28, 2025

According to Cristian Crisosto Rifo, regional prosecutor of the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Prosecutor’s Office, the teen submitted a falsified flight plan and violated several national and international regulations. “The accused provided false information to the aeronautical authority. He stated he would fly over Punta Arenas but instead continued on to Antarctica without prior approval,” Rifo stated.

The unauthorized landing at the Chilean base, located on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, posed a potential threat to regulated airspace in the Antarctic region. Upon arrival, Guo was detained and formally charged for violating the Aeronautical Code and regulations governing flights to the white continent.

Guo is aiming to raise $1 million for cancer research with his high-flying campaign across the globe

Rifo commended the Chilean Navy for its swift response in detaining Guo and protecting Antarctic jurisdiction. The incident raised broader concerns over aviation safety and the importance of strict oversight in one of the world’s most sensitive and environmentally protected zones.

Guo’s attorney, Karina Ulloa, argued that the young pilot experienced technical difficulties mid-flight and diverted course for safety. “While already in the air, he began to experience a series of complications,” Ulloa said. “He was conducting an exploratory flight to determine if the route was feasible.”

Weather conditions have prohibited flights from taking off and landing on the island

Due to adverse weather conditions, Guo is currently being held on King George Island and cannot leave until a commercial flight can return him to mainland Chile. Once back in Punta Arenas, he will be subject to a 90-day investigation and must remain in Chile during that period.

Guo has documented his global flight mission across social media, amassing over one million followers under his campaign to raise $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Inspired by his cousin’s battle with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Guo began his journey in May 2024 and has since landed in nearly 60 countries.

Once back in South America, Guo faces a 90-day investigation and will be forced to remain in Chile throughout the period

“I admire him,” Guo said of his cousin in a statement shared on his website. “He inspired me to take life more seriously and join the fight against cancer. I want to use every opportunity to raise awareness of childhood cancer and the need for increased research.”

His most recent post, dated June 23, marked Day 142 of the journey while flying over the Philippines. Updates on the website and social platforms have since paused following the incident in Antarctica.