Twin Falls Man Sentenced After Drunk Pilot Crashes Plane Near Boise Airport
A Twin Falls man is facing jail time and significant financial penalties after piloting a small aircraft while intoxicated, leading to a crash near the Boise Airport in 2025. Michael Verzwyvelt has been sentenced following a guilty plea to operating an aircraft under the influence.
Details of the 2025 Aircraft Crash
The incident occurred on November 8, 2025, when a small plane crashed near the intersection of North Orchard Street and W. Victory Road, just west of the Boise Airport. Two individuals on board the aircraft sustained injuries, though authorities confirmed the injuries were non-life-threatening.
Following an investigation by the Boise Police Department, Verzwyvelt was arrested and charged with operating an aircraft under the influence. While he initially pleaded not guilty, he changed his plea to guilty on March 9.
Legal Violations and BAC Findings
Court documents reveal that Verzwyvelt’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.213 at the time of the incident. Under Idaho law, it’s illegal to operate an aircraft if the pilot has a BAC of at least 0.04 or has consumed any alcoholic beverage within eight hours of flight.
Sentencing and Restitution
The court has imposed a combination of incarceration, financial penalties, and professional sanctions. According to reports from the Idaho Statesman, the sentence includes:
- Jail Time: Up to 90 days in the Ada County Jail, with a mandatory minimum serve of 29 days.
- Financial Restitution: Verzwyvelt must pay $50,730 in restitution by March 2028.
- Probation: Two years of supervised probation, which the judge permitted to be served in Twin Falls County.
- Professional Sanctions: His airman’s certificate will be suspended for one year.
Key Takeaways: The Cost of Operating Under the Influence
- BAC Level: 0.213 (well above the Idaho legal limit of 0.04 for pilots).
- Mandatory Jail: At least 29 days in Ada County Jail.
- Total Restitution: $50,730.
- Certificate Status: Suspended for one year.
Looking Forward
This case serves as a stark reminder of the strict legal standards governing aviation safety in Idaho. With the restitution deadline set for March 2028 and a mandatory jail sentence, the legal system continues to emphasize the dangers of operating aircraft under the influence to protect both passengers and the general public.
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