Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany survived a frightening aviation incident after a small aircraft carrying him made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night.
Tiffany, a Republican candidate for governor, was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the aircraft experienced engine trouble while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport. Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz both survived the incident and sustained injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.
Plane Loses Power During Final Approach
The incident occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m. as a Beechcraft K35 Bonanza was making its final approach to the airport.
According to Tiffany, the aircraft developed engine problems and lost power. Boltz attempted to restart the engine but was unable to restore power before the aircraft descended toward the lake.
The pilot reportedly instructed Tiffany to tighten his seatbelt as the situation became increasingly serious. Approximately 10 seconds later, the plane entered Lake Wausau.
Tiffany and Pilot Escape From Aircraft
Following the emergency landing, Tiffany and Boltz were able to get out of the aircraft. As the plane began sinking into the water, the two men initially climbed onto the aircraft before eventually entering the lake.
They swam approximately 150 feet through the water before reaching a shallow area where they were able to stand.
Emergency personnel subsequently arrived by boat and assisted the pair. Both men were transported for medical evaluation and treatment following the incident.
Injuries Were Not Life-Threatening
Tiffany sustained a cut above his right eye that required 12 stitches. Pilot Leonard Boltz also suffered an injury and reportedly received four stitches.
Despite the frightening circumstances of the emergency landing, neither man suffered life-threatening injuries. Both were released from the hospital later that same night.
The incident could have had much more serious consequences, given that the aircraft came down in a body of water during an emergency approach.
FAA Investigates Plane Incident
The circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s loss of power remain under investigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is examining the incident to determine what caused the Beechcraft Bonanza to experience engine trouble during its approach to Wausau Downtown Airport.
Further findings may provide additional information about the aircraft’s mechanical condition and the sequence of events that led to the emergency landing.
For Tiffany, Boltz, and those who followed the incident, the successful escape and limited severity of their injuries marked a fortunate outcome to an otherwise dangerous aviation emergency.
The investigation is expected to continue as authorities work to establish why the aircraft lost power before landing in Lake Wausau.