Republican gubernatorial hopeful Tom Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, was aboard a small Beechcraft K35 that lost power during its final approach to the Wausau Downtown Airport on Saturday night. The pilot, Leonard Boltz, elected to make an emergency water landing on Lake Wausau.
Rescue and injuries
Both men managed to exit the aircraft and remained on the sinking plane for about ten minutes before swimming to a sandbar roughly 150 feet from shore. Wausau Fire Department responders arrived by airboat at 9:05 p.m., rescuing Tiffany and Boltz and transporting them to Aspirus Wausau Hospital with minor injuries.
Tiffany received twelve stitches for an eyebrow laceration after his head struck the dashboard; the pilot sustained only minor injuries. Both were released from the hospital Saturday night.
Candidate’s response
At a press conference held at the Wausau Fire Department on Sunday, Tiffany thanked first responders and credited Boltz for pulling up the landing gear before impact, which likely prevented the plane from cartwheeling. He estimated the aircraft was traveling about 70 mph at the time of the water impact.
“It was quite a night, quite a day, and I’m just grateful for the Lord for sparing us to see another day,” Tiffany said, becoming emotional during the remarks. He affirmed that the incident will not halt his campaign, stating, “I signed up for this job. We’re going to finish the job.”
Investigation and community reaction
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the loss of power. Marathon County Sheriff’s Office officials asked boaters to avoid the crash site until the aircraft can be removed.
Wausau Downtown Airport manager John Chmiel, who also owns Wausau Flying Service, noted that such incidents are rare, comparing them to the frequency of car accidents in the community. He praised Boltz’s handling of the emergency, saying the pilot “did everything right” and that water landings, while uncommon, can be a safe option when executed properly.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley posted on X, expressing relief that no one was seriously hurt and calling the event “horrifying.”
Original reporting: Wisconsin Watch — read the source article.
