Rescue Mission Follows Plane Crash of Wisconsin Governor Candidate

On a dark lake in Wisconsin, a critical search and rescue mission unfolded. The plane carrying Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany had lost its power and plunged into the water.

Rescue crews worked swiftly, mobilizing ambulances, engines, and boats. They tracked the last GPS signal from a phone believed to be underwater. “We’re going to be in search for a down plane,” a responder announced.

First responders gathered near Lake Wausau’s boat landing to rescue Tiffany and his pilot. (WSAW)

Hours after leaving the hospital, Tiffany recounted how pilot Leonard “Len” Boltz reacted immediately. After the plane lost power near Wausau Downtown Airport, Boltz said, “We are going down. Pull your seatbelt tight.” Tiffany complied, pulling his seatbelt securely.

Emergency crews searched Lake Wausau after the plane lost power and landed in the water. (WSAW)

Moments later, they hit the water. Tiffany sustained a gash above his right eye, requiring 12 stitches. Boltz needed four stitches for his injuries, Tiffany shared.

Both Tiffany and Boltz ensured the other’s safety before leaving through the passenger-side door as water filled the plane. Tiffany could not find his phone, but Boltz called 911.

The men climbed on the slowly sinking plane, waiting approximately 10 minutes as emergency lights surrounded the lake. They swam toward the airport as the aircraft sank. Tiffany soon reached a shallower area where the water was about five feet deep.

“I said to Len, ‘Let’s just stay here until help arrives,’” Tiffany recalled, noting the visible sirens nearby.

In the dispatch audio, the urgency was clear. Responders coordinated additional help to search multiple points around Lake Wausau. A witness had seen the aircraft crash but provided only a general area for the search.

Crews used thermal imaging and the phone’s last GPS location. A landowner provided a boat. One responder reported the pilots might swim to shore. “I lost contact with them,” another stated. “They may be swimming south.”

The search concluded with the rescuers locating both men. “We have two victims in the water,” a responder declared. Both men were pulled out, alert and conscious.

Tiffany appreciated Boltz’s experience. The former Air Force trainer raised the plane’s landing gear, preventing a potentially fatal cartwheel. “He was savvy and quick,” Tiffany said.

Tiffany estimated the aircraft’s speed was 70 to 80 mph upon impact. “We’re fortunate the plane didn’t flip,” he added, crediting Boltz.

Wausau Mayor Doug Diny, also a former military pilot, praised Boltz’s safe nighttime landing. “The last thing a pilot wants is to put a plane in water at night,” Diny noted.

Tiffany and Boltz received treatment and were discharged from Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Tiffany’s CT scan revealed no apparent concussion, though doctors advised caution.

Tiffany postponed a Washington, D.C., trip but intends to resume his campaign Monday. “This will not deter me from my goal to be Wisconsin’s next governor,” he declared.

The Beechcraft Bonanza remains underwater. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the power loss.

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed gratitude for Tiffany’s return. “Grateful to God no one was hurt,” Johnson posted on X.

Tiffany, representing Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, remains in the race against Democratic opponent David Crowley.

Crowley was thankful for the survival of Tiffany and Boltz, commending Boltz’s quick actions.