What began as a high-profile fundraising mission for cancer research has turned into a months-long ordeal for American teen influencer and pilot Ethan Guo, who has been stranded since June in a remote Chilean territory in Antarctica.
Authorities allege that Guo, 19, landed his small Cessna 182Q plane illegally after providing false flight plan information, prompting an investigation. Chilean prosecutors said the young pilot had been authorized only to fly over Punta Arenas but instead continued south toward Antarctica, landing without approval.
Guo, who made headlines last year for attempting to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents while raising funds for childhood cancer research, was charged on June 29 with submitting false information to ground control and unauthorized landing.
On Monday, a Chilean judge dropped the charges under an agreement between prosecutors and Guo’s legal team. The deal requires him to donate $30,000 to a children’s cancer foundation within 30 days, leave Chile as soon as possible, and avoid reentry into Chilean territory for three years.
“I am relieved by the outcome,” Guo told The Associated Press in a text message after the ruling.
For the past six weeks, Guo has stayed at a Chilean military base, unable to leave due to severe winter conditions that have grounded flights. He has also been unable to use his own aircraft. Prosecutor Cristián Crisoto stated that Guo’s plane “does not have the capabilities to make a flight,” but offered no further details.
Guo says he hopes to secure permission to continue his original mission. “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,” he said.
Under the agreement, Guo must also cover all costs for the security and upkeep of his aircraft, as well as his own living expenses during his stay at the military base and his eventual return journey.
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