Teen Influencer Ethan Guo Stranded in Chilean Antarctica After Unauthorized Solo Plane Landing

Popular Asian-American influencer Ethan Guo has been stranded in Chilean Antarctic territory since June after illegally landing his small plane under a false flight plan, prompting an official investigation.

Guo, who gained viral attention for his ambitious goal to become the youngest person to fly solo across all seven continents while raising funds for childhood cancer research, was authorized to fly only over Punta Arenas. However, prosecutors say he continued south and landed in Antarctica in his Cessna 182Q — a single-engine light aircraft known for its versatility.

On June 29, he was charged with providing false information to ground control and landing without authorization. On Monday, a Chilean judge dropped the charges following an agreement between his lawyers and prosecutors. Under the deal, Guo must donate $30,000 to a children’s cancer foundation within 30 days, leave the country, and remain banned from entering Chilean territory for three years.

Speaking to the Associated Press via text, Guo said he was “relieved” by the outcome.

For the past six weeks, he has been staying at a military base — not under detention, but due to limited winter flights out of the area. Harsh weather has also kept him from retrieving his aircraft. Chilean prosecutor Cristián Crisosto said the plane “does not have the capabilities to make a flight,” without providing further details. Guo stated he is consulting with his lawyer to explore possible options for flying it back.

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