‘We are going down’: Congressman reveals terrifying escape from sinking plane
Rep. Tom Tiffany survived a late‑night emergency water landing in Lake Wausau after a Beechcraft Bonanza lost power. He and pilot Leonard Boltz swam to safety, received stitches, and were rescued by fire department airboat. The incident will be investigated by the FAA and NTSB.
On the night of Saturday, a single‑engine Beechcraft Bonanza carrying Wisconsin U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport. The aircraft made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau, forcing the two men to escape a sinking plane and swim to shore. The incident, which occurred just before 9 p.m., was later investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and is pending a full National Transportation Safety Board inquiry.
What Happened on the Night of the Crash
Tiffany, 68, was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the plane’s engine failed. According to the pilot, the aircraft was “going down.” The pilot instructed Tiffany to pull his seat belt tight, a motion that was followed immediately. Within seconds the plane struck the lake’s surface, and the fuselage began to sink.
Both men clung to the cockpit and floated on the aircraft’s top until it started to submerge. They then swam approximately 100 to 150 feet (30 to 45 meters) to reach shallow water, where they could stand. The pilot, a retired Air Force officer, and Tiffany were rescued by a fire department airboat shortly after 9 p.m. The rescue was coordinated by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, which also placed a no‑wake buoy near the wreck and requested that boaters clear the area until the plane could be safely removed.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
Both Tiffany and Boltz sustained cuts that required stitches. Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye that needed 12 stitches, while Boltz received four stitches for a similar injury. Despite the injuries and the traumatic experience, the congressman described the night as a mix of fear and humor, noting that they tried to keep the situation light even as they were aware of the danger.
After the plane sank, Boltz called 911. Emergency personnel arrived quickly and extracted the two men from the water. The incident was later reported to the FAA, which confirmed it would conduct an investigation into the loss of power and the subsequent water landing. An NTSB spokesperson indicated that a full investigation would proceed once the FAA determines whether the damage to the aircraft warrants it.
Political and Personal Reactions
Following the rescue, Tiffany addressed reporters at a downtown Wausau firehouse. He expressed deep gratitude for the rescue team and for what he described as divine protection. “We’re really fortunate that God was looking after us last night,” he said. The congressman also emphasized that the incident would not derail his campaign for Wisconsin governor.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley posted a message on X wishing Tiffany a quick recovery and praising the pilot’s heroism. The incident has drawn attention from both sides of the political spectrum, with many expressing concern for Tiffany’s well‑being and the safety of the aircraft.
Investigations and Future Steps
The FAA has opened an investigation into the cause of the engine failure and the subsequent water landing. The NTSB will await the FAA’s findings to determine whether a full accident investigation is warranted. Meanwhile, the wreckage remains submerged, and a no‑wake buoy signals that the area is off‑limits until the aircraft can be safely recovered.
Officials from the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office have requested that the public avoid the lake’s immediate vicinity to ensure the safety of both the recovery operations and other boaters. The incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and the swift response of local first responders.
As the investigations proceed, the public will be kept informed of any new findings. Meanwhile, Rep. Tiffany continues his gubernatorial campaign, stating that the event will not alter his political trajectory.
In summary, the night’s emergency landing in Lake Wausau was a harrowing but ultimately survivable event that highlighted the resilience of the individuals involved and the effectiveness of local emergency services. The ongoing investigations will aim to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure aviation safety standards are upheld.
Why it matters
The incident demonstrates the critical role of emergency response teams and highlights the need for thorough aviation investigations to prevent future accidents.
Key points
- Rep. Tom Tiffany survived a late‑night water landing in Lake Wausau after a Beechcraft Bonanza lost power.
- Both the congressman and pilot swam 100‑150 ft to reach shallow water before rescue.
- Tiffany and the pilot received stitches for cuts sustained during the escape.
- The FAA has opened an investigation; the NTSB will decide on a full inquiry.
- The wreckage remains submerged; a no‑wake buoy marks the area as off‑limits until recovery.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the plane to lose power?
The exact cause is still under investigation by the FAA, which will determine whether a full NTSB inquiry is needed.
Will the plane be recovered from Lake Wausau?
Yes, the wreckage remains submerged, and authorities have placed a no‑wake buoy to keep the area clear until it can be safely extracted.
Did the incident affect Rep. Tiffany’s gubernatorial campaign?
Tiffany confirmed that the event will not alter or halt his campaign for Wisconsin governor.
