Record Attempt Turns Into Legal Ordeal
Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old American pilot stranded in Antarctica, has been unable to leave a Chilean base for over 40 days — even after his legal case was suspended and charges were dropped.
Guo was attempting to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents while raising $1 million for childhood cancer research. His journey took a sudden turn in late June when, en route from Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina, his plane suffered engine trouble and lost radio contact.
Unable to continue, he diverted to a remote island off the coast of Chilean Antarctica, where he landed safely — only to be arrested moments later.
Chilean Officials Cite International Regulations
Chilean authorities accused Guo of illegally landing in Antarctica without a permit and providing false flight information, citing violations of international Antarctic regulations.
While Guo’s attorney insists the pilot had “explicit, direct permission” to land at a Chilean base, officials moved forward with charges. This week, a Chilean court suspended the case, ordering Guo to donate $30,000 to a local charity and banning him from re-entering Chilean territory for three years.
“I’m grateful the charges were dropped,” Guo told the media, “but I wish this had been resolved sooner.”
Why He Still Can’t Leave
Despite his legal clearance, Guo says the Chilean government will not allow him to fly his airworthy plane off the base.
Officials have reportedly given multiple reasons — including that the aircraft is unfit to fly, lacks fuel, that Guo lacks proper skills, or that weather conditions are unsafe.
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“All four of those statements are objectively false,” Guo said. “The plane works, it has enough fuel, I have insurance covering Antarctica, and I’m a qualified pilot.”
Guo’s attorney claims the government’s refusal contradicts the court’s decision, effectively keeping his client in “limbo.”
Alternative Routes Out Are Limited
Guo has considered leaving by boat, but says maritime departures are rare in the region and none have occurred during his stay. Flying remains his preferred option, both to continue his global journey and to resume his cancer fundraising mission.
The young pilot began his trip last year with the goal of inspiring others while contributing to cancer research. Being grounded in Chilean Antarctica has left him physically drained, and he admits feeling like “a prisoner on the base.”
A Mission Still on Hold
With the Antarctic winter looming and limited transport options, Guo’s fate now depends on whether Chilean officials will reverse their decision. Until then, his quest to be the youngest to fly solo to all seven continents — and his fundraising efforts for cancer research — remain stalled.
