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Teen Pilot Detained at Antarctic Base as 90-Day Probe Unfolds

Chilean authorities accuse him of endangering regional air safety after submitting a false flight plan followed by an unauthorized landing at a Chilean-claimed Antarctic airstrip.

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Ethan Guo poses for a photo in Geneva, Switzerland, in August.
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Overview

  • On June 28, Guo diverted from his approved flight plan to circle Punta Arenas and landed at Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base without notifying air traffic control.
  • Magallanes prosecutors formally charged him with false flight planning and violations of national and international aviation regulations.
  • A court ordered a 90-day investigation and barred Guo from leaving Chilean territory until inquiries conclude.
  • Persistent bad weather on King George Island has prevented commercial flights and delayed his return to Punta Arenas.
  • His attorney says in-flight complications prompted an exploratory detour, but prosecutors contend the deviation endangered air traffic.