A rescue operation unfolded dramatically across a dark Wisconsin lake after Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany’s plane lost power and sank. The responders faced uncertainty about the whereabouts of Tiffany and his pilot.
Hours after leaving the hospital, Tiffany recounted the emergency landing, crediting pilot Leonard “Len” Boltz’s quick reaction. “Len said, ‘We are going down. Pull your seatbelt tight,’” Tiffany shared. “I pulled it good and tight.” When the plane hit the water, Tiffany sustained a gash that required 12 stitches, while Boltz needed four stitches.
The two men safely exited the aircraft as it began filling with water. Although Tiffany could not find his phone, Boltz managed to call 911. They climbed onto the sinking plane, waiting as emergency lights surrounded the lake before they began swimming toward the airport.
They swam approximately 100 to 150 feet before Tiffany found a shallow area about five feet deep. “Let’s just stay right here until help can come,” Tiffany suggested to Boltz. They saw sirens approaching.
“We are just really fortunate,” Tiffany expressed with emotion. “Really fortunate that God was looking after us last night.” The tense search concluded when rescuers found both men. “We have two victims in the water,” a responder confirmed, adding they were “alert, conscious.”
Tiffany commended Boltz’s experience for preventing a fatal outcome. The former Air Force instructor retracted the landing gear, steering the plane clear of disaster. Tiffany estimated their speed at 70 to 80 mph, describing the impact as “a fast-moving car crash.” The landing gear action likely kept the plane from flipping.
Wausau Mayor Doug Diny, also a former military pilot, praised Boltz’s safe night landing on water. Tiffany and Boltz were treated and released from Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Despite the incident, Tiffany intends to return to campaigning on Monday, determined to become Wisconsin’s next governor.
The Federal Aviation Administration is examining the power loss in the Beechcraft Bonanza, which remains submerged. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed relief at Tiffany’s safe return, while Democratic opponent David Crowley also praised their survival and Boltz’s skillful actions.
Stepheny Price, a writer focusing on West Coast and Midwest news, contributed to this report.
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