Santiago, Chile (AP) – What was intended as a fundraising mission for cancer investigation has become a nightmare for the American teenage influences Ethan Guo, who has been stuck at a remote location in Chilean territory in Antarctica since June.
Authorities say that Guo has landed his small aircraft illegally after providing false flight plan information to officials who have opened an investigation.
Guo made the headlines last year when the then 19-year-old teenager started a journey in an attempt to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents and at the same time collect donations for research into childhood cancer.
As part of his journey, the teenager who identifies as an Asian American was planning to go to Antarctica, but according to the authorities he lied to officials by providing authorities of 'false flight plan data'. Prosecutors said he had been authorized to only fly over Punta-Arenas, but that he continued to the south, on his way to Antarctica in his Cessna 182Q-a light-engine aircraft known for his versatility.
GUO was accused on 29 June of handing over false information to land control and countries without permission, but on Monday a judge dropped the indictment as part of an agreement with his lawyers and the prosecutors of Chile. It requires that the teenager gives a donation of $ 30,000 to a Children's Cancer Foundation within 30 days to prevent a test. He must also leave the country as soon as circumstances allow it and is forbidden to redeem the Chilean area for three years.
On Monday, after the judge's ruling, Guo told the Associated Press in a text message that he was 'relieved by the outcome'.
The past six weeks, since he has been accused, he has remained on a military basis. He was not forced to stay there, just to stay on Chilean territory, but because of the serious winter on that part of the southern hemisphere, there have been no available flights he could take. And he has not been able to fly his Cessna.
Chilean public prosecutor Cristián Crisoto said on Monday reporters that Guo's plane “does not have the possibilities to make a flight”, without providing details. But the American teenage influences said he is talking to this lawyer to see if there is a way to fly it.
“I stay on Antarctica awaiting approval before my departure flight,” Guo told AP. “I sincerely hope they give it to me quickly, so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission.”
The office of the public prosecutor said that Guo also has to pay all costs for his “aircraft security and personal maintenance” during his stay in the military facility. He must also cover all costs for his return.
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