ANTARCTICA (WMC/Gray News) – A 19-year-old self-taught aviator from Memphis was detained in Antarctica while attempting a solo flight to seven continents, according to a CNN report.
Ethan Guo was detained by Chilean authorities for breaking “multiple national and international regulations” by changing his flight plans without prior notice, according to CNN.
Guo landed on a part of Antarctica where Chile maintains a territorial claim.
Guo made a name for himself in 2023 when he embarked on a trip around the world in his Cessna 182 to become the youngest solo male to circumnavigate the world by light aircraft. His journey began in September, which is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so he also had the mission to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
His itinerary included 35 countries across six continents.
On June 29, Guo’s lawyer told CNN the young pilot had experienced “complications” while flying.
CNN reported authorities in Chile said Guo submitted a false flight plan on Saturday before taking off from Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport in the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas as the sole passenger and crew member aboard a Cessna 182Q aircraft, registered as N182WT.
At one point during that flight, officials said Guo turned off course toward Antarctica, according to CNN.
The Chilean court decreed a 90-day investigation period for this case, during which time Guo must remain in Chile.
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