American Teen Pilot Detained in Antarctica Amid Global Quest

Ethan Guo, an American teenager aiming to fly solo to every continent in his Cessna aircraft, has been detained in Antarctica by Chilean authorities for allegedly submitting a false flight plan. The incident has raised questions regarding adherence to aviation regulations and the Antarctic Treaty.

An American teen pilot's dream of circumnavigating the globe has hit a snag as he faces legal troubles on an Antarctic island. Ethan Guo, 19, was apprehended by Chilean authorities on King George Island, a territory claimed by Chile, after allegedly submitting a misleading flight plan. According to Chile’s General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics, Guo's deviation from the approved plan triggered safety alert protocols, leading to his detention upon landing at Teniente R. Marsh airport.

The young aviator, who had flown from Punta Arenas, near the southern tip of Chile, initially intended to fly only over Punta Arenas but took his journey further, contravening local aeronautical regulations. Prosecutor Cristian Cristoso Rifo noted that Guo has been charged with violations that could result in short-term imprisonment, as he potentially breached two articles of Chile's aeronautical code, as well as the Antarctic Treaty, which governs international cooperation and preservation of the continent.

Ethan aimed to be the first pilot ever to complete solo flights across all seven continents, a journey that has garnered significant attention, with over a million followers tracking his progress online. His mission, spanning over 140 days, not only seeks to achieve this remarkable feat but also aims to raise funds for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Despite the preliminary setback, Guo assured his followers via social media, stating: "I'm alive everyone, I'll make an update soon." This unexpected turn of events has put a spotlight on the responsibilities of pilots undertaking such ambitious flights, especially in regulated regions like Antarctica.