PUNTA ARENAS, Chile — An American social media influencer who landed a small plane in Chile's Antarctic territory without authorization was released from a Chilean military base on Saturday and returned to the mainland to face financial penalties, authorities said.
Ethan Guo, who was 19 when he began a fundraising mission for cancer research and an attempt to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents, landed a Cessna 182Q in the Antarctic on June 28 and was detained amid legal negotiations. Chilean prosecutors said Guo had provided "false flight plan data" and that he had been authorized only to fly over Punta Arenas in southern Chile, not to land in Antarctica. He will pay $30,000 in penalties, officials said.
Chilean authorities said Guo continued south after filing a flight plan that authorized only passage over Punta Arenas and landed at a Chilean air base in Antarctica. The single-engine Cessna 182Q is a commonly used light aircraft known for its versatility, but Chilean prosecutors said the landing was not permitted under the terms of the filed flight plan.
Guo was held at the military base while his lawyers negotiated with the government. Officials did not immediately disclose other punitive measures beyond the $30,000 penalty. The episode drew attention because of Guo's profile as a social media content creator and his stated goal of raising funds for cancer research while attempting a record-setting series of solo flights.
Chile maintains a presence in parts of Antarctica and operates airfields supporting scientific and military activities. Flights to and within Antarctic territories are regulated by national authorities and subject to international agreements that govern activities on the continent. Chilean officials said Guo's actions violated the authorization granted in his flight plan, prompting the detention and subsequent legal proceedings.
Guo's release on Saturday marked the end of roughly two months at the base, during which time his detention became the focus of discussions between his legal team and Chilean authorities. Officials in Punta Arenas handled his return to the mainland, where the administrative penalty is to be paid and any further legal steps will be determined by prosecutors.
Representatives for Guo did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Chilean prosecutors provided the details about the flight plan authorization and the penalties on Saturday. The incident underscores the regulatory environment governing flights to Antarctica and the potential legal consequences for pilots who deviate from approved plans.