Jonathan Kurilla Crashed Into A Lake In Minnesota While Carrying A Passenger

The pilot of an ultralight aircraft which went down in Gull Lake in Minnesota last June has been sentenced to 240 days in jail and fined $1,500 for operating the plane while intoxicated. He will also be on probation for six years.

Jonathan Kurilla tested with a blood alcohol level of 0.223 shortly after being pulled from the lake following the crash. He and is passenger, Estelle Paulson, both escaped serious injuries but Paulson was treated at a local hospital.

Eau Claire, WI television station WQUW reports that Kurilla tried to tell authorities he hadn't had anything to drink until he was on the boat that pulled him from the water, and later on shore, but the state toxicologist said he would have had to put away 11 shots of 100 proof liquor to reach that blood alcohol level, and he was tested about 20 minutes after the incident.

Kruilla was arrested at a nearby restaurant after the crash. He reportedly had six DUI's on his record as well.

FMI: www.co.cass.mn.us/court_admin/court_admin_home.html