19-year-old American teen influencer Ethan Guo has been stranded in Antarctica since June after landing his small plane in Chilean territory without authorisation. The incident occurred after he embarked on a solo trip to all seven continents, which was a fundraising effort for cancer research, inspired by his cousin’s recent cancer diagnosis.
After successfully visiting six of the seven continents, Guo flew his Cessna 182Q, a single-engine aircraft, from Punta Arenas, a city near Chile’s southernmost point, to King George Island in Antarctica. The island, claimed by Chile and home to international research stations, is a sensitive area where unauthorised landings are strictly regulated. Upon arrival, Chilean authorities detained Guo, alleging he provided “false flight plan data” and landed without permission.
A 19 year old pilot Ethan Guo attempting to fly to all seven continents to raise money for cancer research has been detained by Chile after an unauthorized flight to Antarctica. @flightradar24 https://t.co/yxuCavPoKZ pic.twitter.com/CPye7AW8sV
— Ben John (@benjohn65) August 12, 2025
According to Chilean officials, Guo submitted a flight plan indicating he would fly over Punta Arenas but not proceed further south to Antarctica. On 29 June, charges were filed against him for providing false information to ground control and landing illegally.
For the past six weeks, the teenager has been staying at a military base. Although not formally detained, he was required to remain in Chilean territory. Due to the severe winter weather, no flights were available, and he was unable to fly his Cessna.
NEW: 19-year-old pilot who is flying around the world to raise a money for cancer research, arrested after landing in Antarctica.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 1, 2025
Chinese-American pilot Ethan Guo is trying to fly to all 7 continents to raise $1M for cancer research.
Guo recently took off from Punta Arenas… pic.twitter.com/LAwQNJ023i
On 11 August, a Chilean judge dropped the charges against the influencer. Guo, communicating via text with The Associated Press (AP), expressed relief, stating, “I’m relieved by the outcome.” The judge ordered the teenager to leave Chilean territory, pay a $30,000 (€25,815.67) donation to a children’s cancer foundation, and ban him from re-entering Chile for three years.
“I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight,” said Guo, following the judge’s ruling. “I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission.”
Project Flight Against Cancer is nearing its final phase.
— Ethan Guo (@TheEthanGuo) August 7, 2025
I’m working on a new, larger project to build the future of computing interfaces.
We’re looking for people in software, hardware, and creative design.https://t.co/V0207BJEAH
(Yes I’m still detained in Antarctica)… pic.twitter.com/uQsjW1ZWs0
A Chilean prosecutor also stated that Guo’s Cessna “does not have the capabilities to make a flight,” not providing further information. But the American teen stated that he is in talks with his lawyers to explore ways in which he can fly it.
Guo hopes to become the first pilot to fly a Cessna across all seven, a journey that has already spanned 140 days. His mission is to raise $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
