Why It Matters
The incident underscores the inherent risks of private aviation for political candidates and highlights the critical role of rapid emergency response systems in rural areas.
What Happened
Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany survived an emergency water landing on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. The aircraft was returning from a campaign event at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska when it lost power approaching Wausau Downtown Airport.
Pilot Leonard Boltz executed the emergency landing on Lake Wausau. As the plane began to submerge, Tiffany and Boltz exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area. They waited for approximately 20 minutes in the water before emergency responders located them by boat.
A 911 call was placed from an occupant standing on top of the partially submerged plane. Initial reports indicate the aircraft suffered a mechanical failure. Both men escaped without serious injury, though Tiffany required stitches above his right eye and Boltz received treatment for minor injuries. Tiffany was subsequently released from the hospital.
By the Numbers
Sept. 12, 2026 — Date of the emergency landing
20 minutes — Time spent in water before rescue
911 — Emergency number used to alert authorities
Zoom Out
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation into the mechanical failure. Private aviation remains a common mode of transport for congressional members and candidates, particularly in states with large geographic footprints like Wisconsin.
What’s Next
Federal investigators will analyze flight data and maintenance records to determine the cause of the power loss. Tiffany is expected to continue his gubernatorial campaign as he recovers from minor injuries.