A dramatic search unfolded on a dark Wisconsin lake after a plane carrying Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany plunged into the water. Rescue crews quickly mobilized, seeking the two men aboard. Dispatch audio depicted a frantic scene, calling for more ambulances, engines, and boats.
Emergency Landing
Tiffany, who had recently left the hospital, shared details of the incident during a news conference. Pilot Leonard Boltz had mere seconds to react after the plane lost power on its approach to Wausau Downtown Airport. Tiffany recalled Boltz’s urgent instruction, ‘We are going down. Pull your seatbelt tight.’ Moments later, the plane hit the water.
The crash left Tiffany with a head gash that needed 12 stitches. Boltz required four stitches for his injuries. After the impact, the two men exited through the passenger-side door as water entered the plane. Boltz managed to call 911, using his phone from atop the sinking aircraft.
Rescue Efforts
Crews utilized the last known GPS location of a phone believed to be underwater. Some men had witnessed the crash, providing a search area for responders. Thermal imaging and a landowner’s boat assisted the search. A responder noted they had contact with the pilots, who planned to swim to the nearest shore.
Rescue was confirmed when crews announced finding the two men. They were conscious and accounted for, ending the tense search. Tiffany credited Boltz’s experience for preventing a worse outcome. Boltz’s quick decision to raise the landing gear likely prevented the plane from cartwheeling across the water.
Impact and Reaction
Tiffany described the crash as a ‘fast-moving car crash.’ He praised Boltz’s skills for the night landing. Wausau Mayor Doug Diny, a former military pilot, also commended Boltz’s actions.
Both men received treatment and were released from Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Tiffany stated his commitment to return to the campaign trail. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the plane’s power loss. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed gratitude for Tiffany’s safe return.
Tiffany continues his campaign for governor, competing against Democratic contender David Crowley.