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An unusual aviation story that began with a dream of breaking records and raising money for cancer research has taken several unexpected turns. Nineteen-year-old American influencer and pilot Ethan Guo , who set out to fly solo across all seven continents, was detained in Antarctica earlier this summer. Now, as per the BBC report, the charges against him have officially been dropped, though his journey is far from over.
The flight that sparked trouble
Guo had already visited six continents when he departed from Punta Arenas, Chile, in June, aiming to reach King George Island , a remote part of the Antarctic dotted with international research bases. His small Cessna 182Q aircraft landed there successfully, but Chilean authorities swiftly intervened.

Officials accused him of submitting false flight information. His plan reportedly indicated only a local flight near Punta Arenas, not an international crossing into Antarctic territory. Since King George Island is part of Chile’s claimed zone in Antarctica, Guo was detained and an investigation was opened.

The legal case
On 29 June, Guo was formally charged with providing incorrect details to ground control and landing without authorisation. These charges could have left a serious mark on his record. However, a Chilean judge dropped the case later on.

Instead of criminal penalties, Guo was ordered to:

Pay $30,000 to a children’s cancer foundation.

Leave the Antarctic region.

Stay out of Chilean territory for the next three years.

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Life on the ice
For the past few weeks, Guo has been stranded at a Chilean military base on King George Island. According to the Associated Press, he was technically free to travel elsewhere in Chile, but freezing conditions made leaving nearly impossible.

The teenager told AP: “I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight. I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission.”

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The bigger mission
Guo isn’t just chasing a record. His flights are part of a larger fundraising effort for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Inspired by his cousin’s cancer diagnosis, he has set a personal goal of raising $1 million. So far, he has logged more than 140 days in the air on his global journey.

If completed, Guo would become one of the youngest, and few, pilots to fly solo across all seven continents.
What happens next?
For now, Guo is waiting for Chilean approval to take off from Antarctica. While the dropped charges clear the way, his ban on re-entering Chilean territory will complicate the remainder of his route.

Still, the young pilot insists he is determined to finish what he started, turning a risky adventure into a humanitarian mission.