Wisconsin Congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany is recovering after surviving a terrifying aviation emergency that forced the small plane he was traveling in to make an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
Tiffany and the pilot, Leonard Boltz, were aboard the aircraft Saturday night when the plane lost power while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport. The pilot managed to put the aircraft down on the lake, but the situation quickly became dangerous as the plane began to sink.
Both men escaped from the aircraft and swam toward shallow water before emergency responders reached them by boat. Tiffany later spoke publicly about the incident, describing the experience as frightening and emotional while expressing gratitude that he and the pilot survived.
What Happened to Tom Tiffany’s Plane?
The incident happened Saturday evening as Tiffany was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in southwestern Wisconsin.
According to reports, the aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport. With the plane no longer able to continue normally toward the airport, the pilot made the decision to perform an emergency water landing on Lake Wausau.
Tiffany later recalled that the pilot warned him that they were going down and told him to tighten his seatbelt. The aircraft hit the water shortly afterward.
The plane was a small, single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza. Tiffany and Boltz were the only two people aboard.
Tiffany and Pilot Swam to Safety
After the aircraft landed in the lake, the danger was not over.
Tiffany said the two men remained with the aircraft briefly and called 911 for help. As the plane began to submerge, they exited and moved through the water toward a shallower area.
Reports indicate they swam roughly 100 to 150 feet before reaching shallow water or a sandbar. They then waited for emergency personnel to reach them.
Emergency responders eventually arrived by boat and brought both men safely out of the water.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office said the occupants were able to make the emergency call while they were still on or near the aircraft. Initial information indicated that the plane had experienced a mechanical or power-related problem.
Tom Tiffany Gets Emotional While Recounting the Incident
The Wisconsin congressman appeared emotional while describing the experience after the rescue.
Tiffany expressed gratitude toward the pilot and the first responders who arrived to help them. He also reflected on how quickly an ordinary flight could turn into a life-threatening situation.
In an earlier statement, Tiffany said the experience reminded him how precious life is. He also thanked the Wausau Fire Department and other emergency personnel for getting the two men safely off the water.
His comments highlighted the role of the pilot, who Tiffany credited with handling the emergency and getting the aircraft onto the lake.
Tiffany Suffered a Cut Above His Eye
Although the incident could have ended much worse, both Tiffany and the pilot survived with minor injuries.
Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye that required stitches. He was taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for treatment and was later released.
Boltz also received medical treatment for minor injuries and was released from the hospital.
Doctors also checked Tiffany for a possible concussion. He said he was feeling well after treatment, although he was advised not to fly for several days.
Pilot Leonard Boltz Praised for His Actions
Tiffany credited Leonard Boltz for his actions during the emergency.
According to Tiffany’s account, Boltz reacted quickly after the plane lost power and successfully brought the aircraft down on the water.
Tiffany also explained that the pilot’s aviation experience was important during the emergency landing. Rather than allowing the situation to develop into an even more serious accident, Boltz managed the aircraft during the final moments before it hit the lake.
The pilot was also treated for minor injuries after the rescue.
Emergency Crews Responded Quickly
The rescue operation involved local emergency personnel who responded after receiving the 911 call.
Responders reached Tiffany and Boltz by boat and transported them to shore before they were taken to the hospital.
Officials also secured the area around the submerged aircraft. The plane remained in Lake Wausau following the incident while authorities began determining what caused the loss of power.
The quick response was one of the reasons both men were able to receive medical attention without suffering more serious consequences.
FAA to Investigate the Plane Incident
The exact cause of the aircraft’s power loss has not yet been established.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident, and the National Transportation Safety Board may also become involved depending on the assessment of the accident and the damage to the aircraft.
Because the investigation is ongoing, officials have not yet provided a final explanation for why the plane lost power while approaching the airport.
More information could emerge as investigators examine the aircraft and reconstruct what happened during the final part of the flight.
Tom Tiffany Plans to Continue His Campaign
The incident comes at an important time for Tiffany politically.
Tiffany is the Republican nominee for governor of Wisconsin and is preparing for the November general election. He currently represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District.
Despite the frightening experience, Tiffany has indicated that he intends to continue his political work and campaign activities.
His Democratic opponent, David Crowley, also expressed relief that Tiffany and the pilot survived and praised the pilot’s actions during the emergency.
A Frightening Flight That Ended in Survival
What began as a routine trip home turned into a dangerous fight for survival when the aircraft lost power near Wausau.
Tiffany and Boltz were forced to land on Lake Wausau, escape a sinking aircraft and swim toward shallow water while waiting for rescuers.
Fortunately, both men survived and suffered only minor injuries.
For Tiffany, the experience has also become a deeply personal reminder of how quickly circumstances can change. His emotional comments after the incident focused not only on his own survival but also on his gratitude toward the pilot, firefighters, medical workers and other first responders who helped bring the situation to a safe conclusion.
The investigation into the aircraft’s power failure is continuing, and authorities are expected to provide more information as they determine what caused the emergency.