In a stunning twist to a daring globe-trotting adventure, 19-year-old American teen pilot and social media influencer Ethan Guo finds himself grounded in the icy wilderness of Antarctica. Guo, who set off on a high-profile solo mission to fly across all seven continents to raise funds for cancer research, has run into serious legal trouble with Chilean authorities after allegedly deviating from his approved flight path and landing in a prohibited zone of Antarctica.
The incident has not only cast a shadow over his ambitious endeavor but also raised important questions about aviation safety, international airspace regulations, and the responsibilities of young influencers in pursuit of viral fame. According to Chilean officials, Guo violated national and international aviation laws by filing a falsified flight plan and rerouting his aircraft— a single-engine Cessna 182Q— toward Antarctica without authorization.
He landed at the Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base, a Chilean-controlled airfield in Antarctica, which lies within a territory claimed by Chile. His unauthorised landing triggered swift legal consequences, and now Ethan Guo remains detained in Antarctica, unable to return to mainland Chile until given formal permission. Even if allowed to leave the frozen continent, he will be barred from leaving Chile for 90 days while the investigation unfolds.
This unexpected development has captivated the attention of Ethan Guo’s more than one million Instagram followers and sparked intense media coverage, especially given the high-risk nature of his solo expedition and the fragile geopolitical sensitivities surrounding Antarctica.
An Ambitious Dream Turned Into a Legal Nightmare
Ethan Guo embarked on his “flying solo” challenge in September 2024, hoping to become one of the youngest pilots to fly alone across all seven continents. His mission wasn’t just a personal challenge—it was also tied to a philanthropic cause. Guo aimed to raise $1 million for cancer research, using his journey to spread awareness and rally global support.
With a large following on social media, he documented each step of his journey, from takeoffs and landings to the breathtaking aerial views over mountains, oceans, and deserts. But the dream that began with promise has now hit turbulent airspace—both figuratively and literally.
On his recent flight from Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, Ethan Guo was supposed to conduct a standard aerial route, according to the plan submitted to Chilean aviation authorities. Instead, mid-flight, he diverted from the approved course and headed towards the icy expanse of Antarctica.
Chilean officials say this deviation was not only unauthorized but also dangerous. “The accused provided false information to the aeronautical authority,” stated Cristian Crisosto Rifo, Regional Prosecutor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica.
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“He submitted a flight plan indicating he was going to fly over the city of Punta Arenas. He then continued toward Antarctica without informing anyone and without any authorisation, landing at the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base.” The prosecutor further stated that Guo’s actions posed serious threats to air traffic safety in the sensitive Magallanes region and the broader Antarctic airspace.
Ethan Guo is on a journey to become the first person to fly to all seven continents solo ✨✈️ pic.twitter.com/6HLmQoStaS
— Instagram (@instagram) April 14, 2025
The Chilean airfield where Ethan Guo landed is situated in a section of Antarctica that Chile has long claimed sovereignty over. While the Antarctic Treaty forbids new sovereignty claims and encourages peaceful cooperation, countries like Chile maintain bases and monitor activity within their claimed regions. Thus, unauthorized landings—even if made by a civilian—are treated with utmost seriousness.
Technical Mishap or Intentional Stunt?
While Chilean prosecutors paint Ethan Guo’s landing as a deliberate and reckless violation of international law, his defense team offers a starkly different narrative. Karina Ulloa, Guo’s lawyer, insists that the deviation was not intentional and that technical difficulties during the flight forced the young pilot to consider a detour. “While already in the air, he began to experience a series of complications,” Ulloa explained. “He was conducting an exploratory flight to see if he could follow this route or not.”
The legal team’s argument appears to hinge on the notion that Ethan Guo did not intend to deceive the authorities but had to make a difficult choice in real-time due to safety or mechanical concerns. However, the prosecution disputes this claim, asserting that the young pilot submitted a fraudulent flight plan and never communicated his change in route to air traffic controllers.
The aircraft involved—a Cessna 182Q, registered as N182WT—is commonly used for private flying and known for its reliability and range. Still, conditions in southern Chile and Antarctica are notoriously unpredictable, with sudden shifts in weather and challenging navigation conditions. If Guo genuinely experienced technical issues or was uncertain about his course, he may have felt compelled to continue southward in search of a safe landing zone.
However, critics argue that Guo, with such a high-profile mission and an international following, should have exercised greater responsibility. Aviation experts emphasize that Antarctica is not just another stopover on a globe-trotting trip—it is one of the most regulated and environmentally sensitive regions on Earth. Flights to and from the continent are tightly monitored, and even military or research operations require extensive permissions and contingency planning.
The Fallout: Legal Uncertainty and Public Spotlight
As of now, Ethan Guo remains in the Chilean-controlled Antarctic region and is not allowed to return to Punta Arenas until granted permission by authorities. And even once he returns to mainland Chile, he will face a mandatory 90-day stay while investigations proceed. Chilean authorities appear intent on making an example out of the case, potentially as a warning to others who may consider bypassing international norms for personal adventure.
Ethan Guo’s Instagram account, once a vibrant log of adventure and inspiration, has fallen silent since June 23, when he last posted from the Philippines. His supporters and fans, many of whom have followed him since the early days of his journey, are now anxiously awaiting updates and expressing concern. Some praise his bravery, while others question the wisdom of a teenager attempting such a risky challenge with limited oversight.
Meanwhile, aviation and legal experts are weighing in on what Ethan Guo’s case could mean for future solo explorers and influencers. The growing intersection between social media, travel, and personal branding has led to an uptick in young adventurers pushing boundaries—sometimes too far. With the promise of viral fame and sponsorships comes a responsibility to adhere to laws and safety standards, particularly when entering zones as sensitive and politically charged as Antarctica.
There’s also the question of what penalties Ethan Guo might face. While no formal charges have been announced yet, violations of airspace laws, especially in Antarctica, could carry significant consequences, ranging from fines and license suspension to criminal charges, depending on the findings of the investigation. The Chilean judiciary appears firm in its stance, and the international spotlight now ensures the case will be closely watched across borders.
As for Guo’s cancer fundraising mission, it remains unclear whether the campaign will continue as originally planned. The controversy may dampen corporate or public support, though some loyal followers may rally behind him, believing he was simply caught in a series of unfortunate events. It’s a situation that underscores the fine line between daring exploration and legal overreach—a line that Guo now finds himself walking carefully amid the snow and silence of the southernmost continent.
Whether the 19-year-old pilot will eventually complete his seven-continent challenge or see his journey grounded permanently is a story still unfolding. But for now, the world watches as a once-promising adventure meets a cold pause in the icy heart of Antarctica.