At a Glance
- Michael Verzwyvelt, 61, was arrested and charged with aircraft DUI after a November crash near Boise Airport
- Two passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries when the Kitfox Series Seven Super Sport struck a traffic signal
- A warrant issued following impairment signs at the scene led to his Jan. 14 booking into Ada County Jail
Why it matters: The case highlights the legal consequences of operating an aircraft under the influence, even without fatalities.
A small-plane crash that injured two people outside Boise Airport in November has led to criminal charges against the pilot, who police say was impaired at the time of the accident.
Michael Verzwyvelt, 61, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 14, and charged with a misdemeanor aircraft DUI, according to a statement shared with News Of Losangeles by the Boise Police Department.
The Nov. 8 Crash
Authorities responded to reports of a Kitfox Series Seven Super Sport down on a roadway near the airport just after 6:30 p.m. local time on Nov. 8, 2025. FlightAware records show the aircraft, tail number N14PM, had been scheduled to land at the Boise Airport around 6:40 p.m.
Evidence at the scene indicated the plane clipped a traffic signal before crash-landing. Initial reports from local outlets KIVI and KTVB stated:
- The aircraft remained intact
- No smoke or fire occurred
- Airport operations were unaffected
Two occupants-the pilot and one passenger-suffered non-life-threatening injuries. KIVI reported one sustained major injuries and the other minor injuries; both were transported to a local hospital.
Impairment Detected at Scene
Idaho National Guard member Andrew Kalac told KTVB he witnessed the crash while driving home and was first to arrive.
> “I saw it buzz and hit one of the light posts, and it ended up crashing on the side of the right street,” Kalac said, adding he helped extract a passenger and directed first aid.
Boise Police said DUI STEP officers at the scene “observed Verzwyvelt showing signs of impairment.” Further testing determined he was under the influence of alcohol while operating the aircraft.
Legal Proceedings
After the investigation, officers obtained a warrant for Verzwyvelt’s arrest. Court records reviewed by News Of Losangeles show he pleaded not guilty on Jan. 14 to the single misdemeanor charge. A pre-trial conference is set for March 9.
Rob S. Lewis, Verzwyvelt’s attorney, did not immediately respond to News Of Losangeles‘s request for comment.
Key Takeaways
- Operating an aircraft under the influence carries the same DUI laws as motor vehicles in Idaho
- Evidence of impairment can be gathered through field observations and toxicology testing
- Even non-fatal crashes can result in criminal charges if impairment is established
- The case underscores the importance of sobriety checks for all vehicle operators, including pilots
