Idaho Pilot Sentenced for Drunk Plane Crash

Twin Falls man faces jail time and $50,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to operating aircraft under the influence.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:48am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a twisted, crumpled metal aircraft part, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of this crime scene.The aftermath of a drunk flying incident serves as a sobering reminder of the grave risks and consequences of operating aircraft under the influence.Twin Falls Today

A Twin Falls man who piloted a small plane that crashed near the Boise Airport in 2025 has been sentenced to up to 90 days in jail and must pay over $50,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to operating an aircraft under the influence. Michael Verzwyvelt had a blood alcohol content of 0.213 at the time of the crash, well above the legal limit of 0.04 for pilots.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious public safety risks of drunk flying and the need for strict enforcement of laws prohibiting the operation of aircraft under the influence of alcohol. Pilots have a responsibility to the public to fly sober, and this sentence sends a strong message that such reckless behavior will be met with significant consequences.

The details

On November 8, 2025, Verzwyvelt's small aircraft crashed near the intersection of North Orchard Street and W. Victory Road in Boise, injuring two people on board. The Boise Police Department investigated and arrested Verzwyvelt, who originally pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty on March 9. In addition to the jail time and restitution, Verzwyvelt will also have his airman's certificate suspended for one year and serve two years of supervised probation.

  • On November 8, 2025, Verzwyvelt's plane crashed near the Boise Airport.
  • On March 9, 2026, Verzwyvelt pleaded guilty to operating an aircraft under the influence.

The players

Michael Verzwyvelt

A 35-year-old Twin Falls man who piloted a small plane that crashed near the Boise Airport in 2025 while under the influence of alcohol.

Boise Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the 2025 plane crash and arrested Verzwyvelt.

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What’s next

Verzwyvelt's airman's certificate will be suspended for one year, and he will serve two years of supervised probation in Twin Falls County.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious public safety risks of drunk flying and the need for strict enforcement of laws prohibiting the operation of aircraft under the influence of alcohol. Pilots have a responsibility to the public to fly sober, and this sentence sends a strong message that such reckless behavior will be met with significant consequences.