Teen Aviator from the U.S. Arrested in Antarctica During Solo Flight to All Continents

Chilean officials have taken into custody a young American aviator on allegations connected to his solo journey via a small aircraft aimed at reaching every continent, with his route to Antarctica falling under scrutiny.

Ethan Guo, at just 19, accumulated a digital fanbase while chronicling his global expedition, which spanned more than 100 days. Before his Antarctic detour, he had already navigated five other continents.

Inspired in part by a relative's battle with cancer in 2021, Guo embarked on his ambitious voyage with the lofty goal of not only becoming the first to conduct a solo flight across all seven continents in a modest Cessna but also aiming to raise a hefty sum of $1 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's cancer research.

Although Guo's latest digital updates showcased his journey through Southeast Asia, South American authorities assert that he crossed over the vast Pacific, landing in Chile prior to pursuing Antarctica.

According to Cristian Cristoso Rifo, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica's regional prosecutor, Guo launched from Punta Arenas near Chile's southern frontier, venturing controversially toward King George Island without proper consent.

At Teniente R. Marsh Airport on the island, Guo was apprehended. Prosecutors tasked him with violating the Chilean Aeronautical Code by submitting an incomplete flight plan. His documents suggested a flight limited to Punta Arenas, omitting the Antarctic destination.

Beyond breaches of air code, Guo's actions reportedly contravened numerous regional and global regulations concerning Antarctic access, thereby endangering the airways there, Cristoso remarked.

CBS News is requesting Guo's perspective on the matter.

Emily Mae Czachor, an editor at CBSNews.com, regularly addresses breaking stories, unusual weather, and societal and legal matters. Her previous contributions appeared across publications like the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed, and Newsweek.