Teen Pilot Detained After Unauthorized Antarctica Landing

Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old American pilot from Memphis, was detained by Chilean authorities after landing his Cessna 182Q without authorization at the Chilean-claimed Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Antarctica. Guo was attempting to become the youngest person to fly solo across all seven continents while raising funds for childhood cancer research. Chile accused him of submitting a false flight plan and violating national and international regulations, as he diverted from his declared route after taking off from Punta Arenas. Officials claimed his landing endangered air traffic safety in Antarctica and the Magallanes region. Guo must remain in Chile during a 90-day court-ordered investigation. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital acknowledged his fundraising but clarified it does not officially endorse his campaign.