How did the emergency water landing occur?
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz survived an emergency water landing on Lake Wausau on September 12, 2026. The single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza lost power during its final approach to the Wausau Downtown Airport. Boltz, a former Air Force pilot trainer, raised the landing gear before impact, which likely prevented the aircraft from flipping upon hitting the water at high speed.
Following the impact, both men escaped the sinking aircraft and swam to shallow water, where they were located by first responders. Tiffany sustained a gash above his right eye that required 12 stitches, while Boltz received four stitches for his injuries. Both were treated at a local hospital and released shortly after the incident.
What is the status of the investigation?
The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the cause of the power loss that forced the emergency water landing. While the aircraft remains submerged in Lake Wausau, authorities have confirmed that both individuals are safe. Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, plans to return to his campaign trail on Monday following medical clearance from his doctors.
