Pilot Crashes Plane in N. Idaho after Flying Drunk

SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) — Authorities in north Idaho say a pilot who crashed his twin-engine plane at the airport in Sandpoint was flying under the influence of alcohol. Nobody was injured Monday morning when the plane crashed off the runway and smashed into a chain link fence along the airport's perimeter.

Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon told the Bonner County Daily Bee that 55-year-ld Donald Muirhead was arrested and is suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The crash is also being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Authorities say Muirhead and two other unidentified passengers flew from Provo, Utah to Sandpoint Monday morning. Airport officials say damage to property is extensive.