Pilot in Boise crash of small plane pleads guilty to flying under the influence
A Twin Falls man who piloted a small plane that crashed near the Boise Airport last year has pleaded guilty to operating an aircraft under the influence.
On Nov. 8, 2025, two people were injured after the aircraft went down near the intersection of North Orchard Street and W. Victory Road. The Boise Police and Fire departments responded to the scene, finding two people in the plane with non-life-threatening injuries.
After a police investigation, the man who piloted the plane, 61-year-old Michael Verzwyvelt, was arrested and charged with operating the aircraft under the influence, which is a misdemeanor. Verzwyvelt originally pleaded not guilty but then changed his plea to guilty on March 9.
According to the case’s criminal complaint, police said Verzwyvelt was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.213. Idaho law states that it is illegal to operate an aircraft within eight hours of drinking any alcoholic beverage, or while having a BAC of at least 0.04.
Verzwyvelt’s sentencing will be held on April 3 at 1:30 p.m. at the Ada County Courthouse.
