Overview
- A four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza lost power on final approach and made an emergency landing on Lake Wausau on Saturday night, forcing Rep. Tom Tiffany and the pilot to exit and swim to shallow water before rescue.
- Pilot Leonard Boltz executed the splash landing and authorities credited his actions for keeping the aircraft upright long enough for both men to get out; local dispatch audio confirms two people were rescued 'alert and conscious.'
- Tiffany and the pilot were taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Tiffany received stitches above his right eye and both were released the same night.
- The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office marked the plane with a buoy and asked boaters to avoid the area while the FAA, with local reports citing NTSB involvement, opens an investigation into the cause and plans for aircraft recovery continue.
- Tiffany, the Republican nominee for Wisconsin governor, publicly thanked first responders and said he intends to continue campaigning with short-term travel adjustments, a development that could affect the closing weeks of the race.