As their plane lost power on its final approach to Wausau’s airport, pilot Len Boltz gave a quick order to GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany: “We are going down. Pull your seatbelt tight.”

Standing at the Wausau Fire Department yesterday before some of those who rescued him from the lake, Tiffany’s voice began to crack as he recounted the crash and then swimming away from the wreck until he and Boltz were rescued.

“We are just really fortunate,” Tiffany said, choked with emotion. “We’re really fortunate that God was looking after us last night.”

Recounting the Saturday night crash, Tiffany said they were on the final approach to the airport in Wausau when the power went out suddenly. It was seconds later that Boltz made the water landing and the two climbed out of the plane as it began to submerge.

Tiffany said Bolz called 911 on his cell phone as they stayed with the sinking plane for about 10 minutes. They then decided to swim toward shore, making it about 100 to 150 feet before finding a shallow spot in the lake where they waited for rescuers.

Tom Tiffany sustained minor injuries after the plane he was traveling in made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Sept. 12, 2026. Subscriber-submitted photo.

Tiffany, 68, suffered a gash over his right eye that required 12 stitches, while Boltz, 73, needed four stitches to close up a cut. They were treated Saturday night and released.

Tiffany said doctors told him not to fly for a couple of days, so he’s unlikely to make it back to Washington, D.C., later this week for planned votes in the House. But he planned to be back on the campaign trail today.

“I signed up for the job to be governor of the state of Wisconsin a year ago,” Tiffany said. “I’m going to finish that job because there’s a whole lot of people in Wisconsin that are counting on me.”

Well wishes poured in from around the country for Tiffany, including from Dem rival David Crowley. The Milwaukee County executive posted on social media he was grateful no one was seriously hurt in the incident, “which could have been a tragedy if not for the heroism of the pilot. I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones.”

Bolz, chair of the Langlade County GOP, didn’t immediately respond to an email yesterday seeking comment.

The FAA said it is investigating the crash.

Watch Tiffany’s news conference.