American teen pilot detained on small island in Antarctica

July 4, 2025

Nineteen-year-old American pilot Ethan Guo has been detained by Chilean authorities on King George Island in Antarctica after allegedly submitting a false flight plan and deviating from it during his journey. Guo, who is attempting to be the first person to fly solo across all seven continents in a Cessna 182 aircraft, faces charges for violating Chile's aeronautical code and potentially the Antarctic Treaty. His global journey, which has spanned over 140 days and covered six continents so far, aims to raise $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and has garnered more than a million online followers.

Who is affected

Ethan Guo, the 19-year-old American pilot
More than a million people following his journey online
The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the intended beneficiary of his fundraising
Chilean authorities and potentially international research station staff on King George Island
Supporters of his cancer research fundraising efforts

What action is being taken

Chilean authorities have detained Guo on King George Island after he submitted what they claim was a false flight plan
Guo is being charged with violating two articles of Chile's aeronautical code
Chilean officials have activated "alert protocols" in response to his flight plan deviation
Guo has posted an update on social media stating he is alive and promising more information soon

Why it matters

Guo is attempting to become the first pilot to complete solo flights across all seven continents in a Cessna aircraft
The incident could affect his goal of raising $1 million for cancer research
The situation involves potential violations of international agreements like the Antarctic Treaty
The detention creates a significant delay in Guo's record attempt that has garnered substantial public attention
The case highlights the strict regulations governing flights to and around Antarctica

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC