Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany survived an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau on September 12, 2026, after his single-engine plane lost power. Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz swam to shallow water, sustained minor injuries, and were treated at Aspirus Wausau Hospital before being released.
Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany and a 73-year-old pilot escaped serious injury late Saturday night when their four-seat aircraft lost power during its approach to the Wausau Downtown Airport, forcing an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau according to local reporting. The flight was carrying Tiffany home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner as part of his ongoing 2026 campaign schedule.
Emergency Landing and Escape on Lake Wausau
The single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza experienced mechanical failure while making its final approach over the water in the waning moments of Saturday evening. About ten seconds later, the aircraft struck the water.
“After landing, we called 911. As the plane began to submerge, we exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area, where we waited until emergency responders reached us by boat.”
Tom Tiffany, U.S. Representative and gubernatorial candidate
Marathon County 911 dispatchers received the emergency call at 8:49 p.m. from one of the occupants standing atop the sinking fuselage. Lieutenant Cory Gladden of the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office noted that the survivors spent roughly 20 minutes in the water before the Wausau Fire Department arrived with an airboat to pull them to safety at 9:05 p.m. The aircraft subsequently sank and remains submerged in Lake Wausau while maritime authorities advise boaters to steer clear.
Hospital Treatment and Official Investigations
Both men were transported by emergency personnel to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for evaluation and treatment. Tiffany sustained a laceration above his right eye requiring stitches. Both Tiffany and Boltz were released from medical care on Sunday morning.
“God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side. An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is.”
Tom Tiffany, U.S. Representative
Federal authorities have stepped in to examine the cause of the sudden loss of power. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident, building on preliminary findings from local law enforcement pointing toward mechanical failure.
Political Fallout and Campaign Impact
Tiffany, a Republican congressional representative, is running against Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley to determine the state’s next chief executive.
Political figures from across the political spectrum offered public messages of relief following the incident. Crowley issued a statement wishing his opponent a swift recovery and praising the pilot’s actions.
“I’m grateful to God that Congressman Tiffany and no one else was hurt in this horrifying incident, which could have been a tragedy if not for the heroism of the pilot. I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones.”
David Crowley, Democratic gubernatorial candidate
Despite the harrowing water landing and the ongoing federal investigations, Tiffany confirmed to reporters that the accident will not push him off the campaign trail.
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