US Rep. Tom Tiffany swims ashore after Wisconsin plane crash

September 13, 2026 at 11:16 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany survived an emergency water landing when his single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza lost power near Wausau Downtown Airport on Sept. 12. Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz swam to shore and were treated for minor injuries. The Wisconsin Republican is running for governor with President Donald Trump's endorsement.

Key Facts

The Beechcraft Bonanza lost engine power while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport on the evening of Sept. 12.
Pilot Leonard Boltz made an emergency landing on a local lake, and both men swam to shallow water before rescuers reached them by boat.
Tiffany received a cut above his right eye that required stitches and was released from the hospital with minor injuries.
The Marathon County Sheriff's Office placed a buoy near the aircraft and advised boaters to avoid the area until the plane is removed.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley wished Tiffany a speedy recovery and praised the pilot's heroism.

Emergency Landing

Tiffany was returning from a holiday dinner in La Crosse County when the aircraft's engine failed on approach to Wausau Downtown Airport. Pilot Leonard Boltz executed an emergency landing on a nearby lake. After calling 911, the two men exited the sinking plane and swam to shallow water, where they waited for rescuers to reach them by boat.

Injuries and Recovery

Both men were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and later released. Tiffany sustained a cut above his right eye that required stitches, according to his team. The sheriff's office placed a buoy near the aircraft and asked boaters to avoid the area until the plane is recovered.

Gubernatorial Campaign

Tiffany is running for governor of Wisconsin as a Republican and has secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump. Democratic candidate David Crowley posted on X wishing Tiffany a quick recovery and praising the pilot's heroism.