Ethan Guo, viral young aviator who flew to Antarctica, reportedly suffered ‘complications’
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Ethan Guo flying solo (Image via Instagram/@ethanguo.rtw)Ethan Guo, the aviator and social media influencer, reportedly encountered ‘complications’ mid flight, as per his lawyer Karina Ulloa. Ulloa also claims that Guo was forced to land in an area of Antarctica to which Chile lays claim. As per CNN, the lawyer made the claim during a press conference on July 6, alleging,
“While already in the air, he began to experience a series of complications.”
As per Ulloa, the 19-year-old Guo had been:
“conducting an exploratory flight to see if he could follow this route or not.”
Who is Ethan Guo?
The American aviator Ethan Guo is in the midst of attempting to fly solo to all seven continents to raise money for cancer research. As per Dexerto, the teen is attempting the historic feat in a Cesena C182.
Guo, who began documenting his journey on social media in June 2024, has amassed around 1.3 million followers on Instagram.
On his website, Guo notes that he was inspired to embark on his mission when his cousin was diagnosed with cancer. Guo is working to raise $1 million for pediatric cancer research for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
While sharing details about his intention to support cancer research, Guo stated on his website that while 80% of children diagnosed with cancer in the United States survive the disease, only about 20% of children are able to defeat cancer in various developing countries.
As per Guo, he earned his private flying license at the age of 17. On his website, the young pilot provides insight into his aviation experience, and writes,
“I am IFR-rated, which means that I can fly using instruments alone, without visual ground reference. I have flown to all 48 contiguous US states and crossed the Atlantic three times, amassing over 700 hours of flight time.”
Why was Ethan Guo detained by Chilean authorities?
On June 28, Ethan Guo was detained when he made an unauthorized landing at the Teniente Marsh Airfield in Antarctic territory controlled by Chile, as per Dexerto.
The news outlet noted that Guo was only authorized to fly over the city of Punta Arenas when he took off from the Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport.
As per CNN, the Regional Prosecutor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Cristian Crisosto Rifo shed light on the incident and said,
“The accused provided false information to the aeronautical authority. He submitted a flight plan indicating that he was going to fly over the city of Punta Arenas. However, he continued toward Antarctica without informing anyone and without any authorization, landing at the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory.”
According to CNN, Rifo referred to Guo, who has been formally charged, and added,
“With this behavior, the accused seriously endangered the safety of air traffic to Antarctica and the Magallanes region…The accused not only violated the Aeronautical Code but also multiple national and international regulations regarding routes to Antarctica and access to the white continent.”
Guo is awaiting a hearing on his situation, which will likely take place on July 11, reports Dexerto.
Meanwhile, the young aviator must remain in the Magallanes Region of Chile, even though he can be allowed to leave Antarctica, as per the news outlet.
TOPICS: Antarctica