Nineteen-year-old American influencer Ethan Guo was detained in Antarctica after Chilean authorities discovered he had altered his flight plan without permission. Guo, who is attempting to become the first person to fly solo to all seven continents, was stopped after landing in a part of Antarctica claimed by Chile.

Guo took off from Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, aboard a Cessna 182Q aircraft. He initially submitted a flight plan indicating he would fly over Punta Arenas but instead headed towards Antarctica. Chilean prosecutors, led by Cristian Crisosto Rifo, stated that Guo's actions violated multiple national and international regulations, endangering air traffic safety.

Guo's lawyer, Karina Ulloa, explained that the young pilot experienced complications mid-flight, prompting him to conduct what he described as an exploratory flight. Despite this explanation, Guo was formally charged upon landing at Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory.

The Chilean court has mandated a 90-day investigation period, during which Guo must remain in the Chilean sector of Antarctica. He is not permitted to return to Punta Arenas until authorities grant permission.

Guo, who has over a million Instagram followers, embarked on his journey last September to raise $1 million for cancer research. His last documented flight was over the Philippines on June 23. The case continues as Guo awaits further legal proceedings in Chile.

Toby Knapp