An American pilot who landed a small aircraft in Chile’s Antarctic territory without permission was released Saturday from a Chilean military base and returned to the mainland, where prosecutors said he will pay $30,000 in penalties.
Ethan Guo, who began a fundraising mission for cancer research at 19 and was attempting to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents, was detained after Chilean authorities said he provided "false flight plan data" and violated the terms of an authorization that allowed him only to fly over Punta Arenas, in southern Chile. Prosecutors said Guo continued on to Antarctica and landed a Cessna 182Q, a single‑engine light aircraft, on June 28.
Guo spent roughly two months living at the military base in Chile’s Antarctic territory with limited communications. Authorities said winter temperatures in the region plunged below zero while he remained at the facility. He turned 20 in July during his detention, according to his family and statements provided to media.
Chilean prosecutors accused Guo of using incorrect or misleading information in his flight plan. Officials said his initial authorization covered only transit over Punta Arenas and did not permit a landing in the Antarctic region. After his June 28 landing, Guo was detained and legal negotiations followed between his lawyers and the Chilean government before his release this week to the mainland, where he is to satisfy the penalty.
Guo had been promoting the voyage on social media and raising funds for cancer research. His attempt to complete solo flights across all seven continents was widely publicized online; he began the campaign as a teenager and documented parts of his progress on digital platforms. The Cessna 182Q he flew is commonly used for private and light commercial flights and is noted for its range and adaptability in varied conditions.
Chile maintains a presence of scientific and military installations in its Antarctic claims and controls access to its bases. The Antarctic region is subject to the international Antarctic Treaty System, which governs activities on the continent and imposes protocols related to environmental protection and the conduct of expeditions and flights. National rules and permits typically govern landings at bases under a country’s administration.
Details of any additional legal measures or whether Guo will face further charges were not disclosed by prosecutors. His lawyers and representatives did not immediately provide comment to reporters.
Family members and supporters had expressed concern for his safety and welfare while he remained at the base, citing the isolated environment and severe winter conditions. Chilean authorities said they handled the matter through military and judicial channels after discovering inconsistencies in the flight documentation accompanying Guo’s arrival.
The case underscores complexities around civilian flights to Antarctica, where landing permissions, environmental safeguards and coordination with national authorities are often required. Guo’s supporters noted his fundraising goals and youth; Chilean officials stressed the importance of complying with aviation and territorial regulations.
Guo’s return to the mainland concludes the immediate standoff at the base, and he is expected to address the penalty imposed by Chilean authorities. Further travel plans tied to his seven‑continent attempt have not been announced publicly.