GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany Swims to Safety After Plane Makes Emergency Water Landing

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., escaped with minor injuries after a small plane carrying him was forced to make an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night. Tiffany was the only passenger aboard the four-seat, single-engine Beechcraft K35 Bonanza. The pilot was identified as 73-year-old Leonard E. Boltz.

The two were returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska when the aircraft developed a mechanical problem while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport. According to Tiffany, the plane suddenly lost power as it neared the airport.

Rep. Tom Tiffany had to swim to safety after a small plane lost power and made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau, Wisconsin; he and the pilot suffered minor injuries, according to a statement. pic.twitter.com/KBWY2OI8ty

— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) September 13, 2026

“While returning home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner tonight, the plane I was traveling in lost power as we approached the Wausau Downtown Airport,” Tiffany said.

The pilot managed to bring the aircraft down on Lake Wausau at approximately 8:49 p.m.

After the emergency landing, Tiffany and Boltz called 911. The situation quickly became more dangerous as the aircraft began sinking into the water.

“As the plane began to submerge, we exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area, where we waited until emergency responders reached us by boat,” Tiffany said.

A Wausau Fire Department airboat reached the pair at approximately 9:05 p.m., roughly 16 minutes after the initial emergency call.

Both men were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye that required stitches, according to his campaign.

Tiffany and Boltz were treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital overnight.

The congressman later thanked the pilot and emergency personnel who responded to the crash.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, and all of the first responders who came to our aid so quickly,” Tiffany said.

“Thankfully, both the pilot and I sustained only minor injuries.”

The aircraft remained partially submerged in Lake Wausau following the incident, with its tail reportedly visible above the water. Authorities asked boaters to avoid the area while arrangements were made to remove the plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified of the incident and are expected to investigate what caused the aircraft to lose power.

Tiffany is currently the Republican nominee for governor of Wisconsin.