Viral pilot detained for unauthorized Antarctica visit had “complications” mid-flight

by

It appears that Ethan Guo, the well-known pilot who became viral due to his unauthorized flight to Antarctica, encountered some issues during his flight which necessitated an emergency landing.

Over the last six months, it’s quite possible that you’ve encountered Ethan Guo if you’ve used TikTok or Instagram. This 19-year-old is striving to set a record by flying solo over all seven continents. Simultaneously, he’s aiming to collect a million dollars for cancer-related organizations.

Guo, who was flying his Cesena C182, had visited several locations prior, but encountered issues towards the end of June. This social media influencer was apprehended by Chilean authorities following an unsanctioned landing on the Chilean Antarctic soil.

As per the accounts, instead of following his stated flight plan that circled Punta Arenas, the 19-year-old pilot unexpectedly landed at Teniente Marsh Airfield.

19-year-old Ethan Guo, a pilot, has been held in Chile following his change of flight plan and unapproved solo voyage to Antarctica. He’s attempting to visit every continent as part of an effort to gather $1 million for cancer research.

— TopMob (@TopMob) July 2, 2025

Ethan Guo lawyer addresses detainment after unauthorized flight

As a fervent admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: I, Cristián Crisosto, Prosecutor, stated that Guo put the security of air travel to Antarctica and the Magallanes Region at grave risk. This is why charges have been brought against him.

As stated by his legal representative, the pilot encountered unexpected difficulties during the flight that necessitated an emergency landing at Teniente Marsh Airfield.

In mid-flight, a sequence of difficulties arose for him, as she explained to CNN. The attorney additionally stated that Guo was testing to determine whether he could fly this path successfully.

In simple terms, “An account under the name of Guo was established, allegedly serving as the pilot. This account announced, ‘I’m still here! Expect an update from me soon.’

Although the account bears a verification checkmark, it’s not guaranteed that Guo is indeed managing it. However, the profile picture, depicting a plane over Antarctica, was not publicly available before, suggesting a potential connection.

The young man, aged 19, continues to undergo check-ins with Chilean authorities since they have not given him permission to depart from the country at this time.

He is set for a hearing on July 11 to determine his fate.

Read More

2025-07-09 13:18