19 Year Old Pilot Brutally JAILED in Antarctica, After HE DISCOVERS SOMETHING!

A 19-year-old American pilot and social media influencer named Ethan Guo set out on an extraordinary solo flight in 2024 with the goal of becoming the youngest person to visit all seven continents in a small aircraft. His journey served a dual purpose: breaking an aviation record and raising funds for childhood cancer research. His inspiration came from his cousin’s battle with cancer, and he aimed to raise $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In late June 2025, Guo departed from Punta Arenas, Chile, and unexpectedly diverted his course toward Antarctica. He landed at a Chilean Antarctic base on King George Island without authorization, despite filing a flight plan that indicated he would only fly over Punta Arenas. Chilean authorities accused him of submitting false flight information and violating aviation regulations—a move that triggered concerns over airspace safety in both Chile and the fragile environment of Antarctica.

Following over a month of legal wrangling and detention at the base, a Chilean judge approved a conditional agreement: the charges would be dropped if Guo donated $30,000 to a children’s cancer charity, funded his plane’s security and personal upkeep, agreed to immediately leave the Chilean Antarctic territory, and committed not to return for three years. The case was officially suspended under these conditions.

Despite being cleared of charges, Guo remains stranded in Antarctica. He has lost a significant amount of weight and developed health issues, including inflammation around his heart, as he awaits logistical and regulatory approval to depart. He insists his plane is airworthy, he possesses the necessary documentation and insurance, and weather conditions are acceptable—yet he has not been allowed to fly out.

Even in these circumstances, Guo remains hopeful and determined to continue his mission once he’s free to leave. His story highlights the complexities and challenges that arise when youthful ambition, charitable goals, and global aviation intersect in the world’s most remote and regulated region.