Wisconsin GOP Candidate Survives Plane Crash
A dramatic rescue operation was carried out on a Wisconsin lake after Tom Tiffany’s plane plunged into the water. Tiffany, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, and his pilot were on board.
Emergency Situation on the Lake
Dispatch audio recorded rescuers urgently calling for additional ambulances, engines, and boats to locate the two missing men. They were tracking the last known GPS location of a phone believed to be underwater.
Responders acted quickly as one announced, “We’re going to be in search for a down plane.”
A Close Call During Final Approach
Hours after being discharged from the hospital, Tiffany shared the harrowing details of the incident. Pilot Leonard “Len” Boltz had limited time to react when the plane lost power during final approach to Wausau Downtown Airport.
Tiffany recalled Boltz telling him, “We are going down. Pull your seatbelt tight.” Tiffany complied, pulling his seatbelt as tight as possible.
Impact and Escape
Within seconds, the plane hit the water. Tiffany suffered a gash above his right eye that required 12 stitches, while Boltz needed four stitches for his injury.
The men checked on each other, then exited the plane through the passenger door as water flooded the cockpit. Tiffany searched for his phone but couldn’t find it. Thankfully, Boltz had his phone and promptly dialed 911.
Waiting for Rescue
They climbed on top of the slowly sinking plane and waited for around 10 minutes as emergency lights surrounded the lake. As the plane submerged, they swam towards the airport.
After reaching a shallower part of the lake, Tiffany advised Boltz to wait there until help arrived. Both were thankful that rescue teams found them in time.
Search Operation
In radio communications, responders expressed urgency as they monitored the lake. One noted, “Can you get another ambulance rolling this way and one more engine, please?”
The crews utilized thermal imaging and the phone’s last GPS data to narrow their search. A local landowner contributed a boat for use in the operation.
Successful Rescue
Eventually, rescuers found Tiffany and Boltz, reporting, “We have two victims in the water. We’re just pulling them out now.” Both were alert and conscious upon rescue.
Tiffany credited Boltz’s experience and quick thinking for the safe emergency landing. The former Air Force pilot trainer raised the landing gear to prevent a potential cartwheel across the water.
Despite the rough circumstances, Tiffany expressed gratitude, stating, “We’re really fortunate that God was looking after us last night.”
Investigation and Future Plans
The single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza remained submerged. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the power loss.
After treatment at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Tiffany announced his return to the campaign trail, undeterred by the accident. He aims to become the next governor of Wisconsin, running against Democratic candidate David Crowley.
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed relief at Tiffany’s safe recovery, writing, “Grateful to God no one was hurt in this accident.”