Ethan Guo, a well-known American social media influencer, was detained in Chile after authorities accompanied him during the tour. He was trying to do the first solo flight of all seven continents. Guo, an Instagram influencer with more than a million followers, went big. That didn’t stop Sibiryakov from altering his flight plan without authorization and making a landing in Antarctica’s inhospitable heart.
Guo launched on her third leg from Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport in Punta Arenas, Chile. He planned to conduct an aerial tour route over the city based on his approved flight plan. Rather, he flew a longer route and made a landing on the airfield at the home of Lieutenant Marsh Base. This base is located in the Chilean Antarctic territory. His actions were in direct contravention to established national aeronautical regulations. In addition, they created grave hazards to the safety of air traffic in Antarctica and the Magallanes region.
Cristian Crisosto Rifo, a representative for Chilean aviation authorities, told the Times that Guo had given misleading information about the purpose of his flight.
“The accused provided false information to the aeronautical authority. He submitted a flight plan indicating that he was going to fly over the city of Punta Arenas,” – Cristian Crisosto Rifo.
Guo’s Cessna 182Q aircraft, registered as N182WT with the FAA, has been a centerpiece of the investigation. The authorities have ruled that he shall remain in the Chilean sector of Antarctica. He cannot go back to his home in Punta Arenas until they allow him to come back.
“However, he continued toward Antarctica without informing anyone and without any authorization, landing at the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory. With this behavior, the accused seriously endangered the safety of air traffic to Antarctica and the Magallanes region,” – Cristian Crisosto Rifo.
On this latest, continent-hopping trip around the globe, Guo hopes to raise $1 million for cancer research. We’ve followed his travels in real time on social media since last September as he’s shared the ride and shaped his vision and dream. His attorney asserted that there were unforeseen issues during the flight, indicating his client had no plans to violate regulations.
Guo is hoping to set out in a spirit of adventure, discovery, and fundraising for a worthy cause. His unsanctioned trip to Antarctica had dire legal ramifications. The situation raises questions about the responsibilities of influencers and adventurers in adhering to aviation regulations and ensuring the safety of their endeavors.
“He was conducting an exploratory flight to see if he could follow this route or not,” – Karina Ulloa, Guo’s attorney.
Despite his intentions to explore uncharted territories and raise funds for a good cause, Guo’s unauthorized entry into Antarctica has led to serious legal consequences. The situation raises questions about the responsibilities of influencers and adventurers in adhering to aviation regulations and ensuring the safety of their endeavors.
