US Teen Pilot Reaches Deal to Leave Chile After Unauthorized Antarctic Landing
Ethan Guo to donate $30,000 and accept three-year entry ban under agreement with Chilean prosecutors
A Chilean court has agreed to suspend proceedings against American pilot and social media influencer Ethan Guo, who has been in Antarctic territory since late June after being accused of landing without authorization.
Guo, 19, was attempting a solo flight to all seven continents to raise funds for cancer research when he landed on a section of Antarctica claimed by Chile.
Prosecutors alleged he provided false information to ground control regarding his intended landing site.
Under the agreement approved by a judge, Guo must donate $30,000 to a children’s cancer foundation within 30 days, leave Chilean territory, and accept a three-year ban on reentry.
If he fails to meet the terms, court proceedings will resume.
He is also responsible for covering daily costs related to aircraft security and personal maintenance, which have averaged about $600 in similar cases.
Authorities stated that Guo departed from Punta Arenas in a Cessna 182Q, registered N182WT, as the sole passenger and crew member, and diverted toward Antarctica during the flight.
His lawyer said he experienced complications mid-flight and was exploring whether the route was feasible.
Guo remains in Antarctic territory with options to leave, including a military vessel or a commercial flight scheduled from Punta Arenas in early October.
His campaign aimed to raise $1 million for cancer research, and he has documented the journey to over one million followers on social media.