WAUSAU, Wis. — A newly released federal report has identified pilot error as the primary cause behind the emergency water landing of a small aircraft carrying U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, earlier this month. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report, published Tuesday, details how a lapse in fuel management procedures led to the engine failure that forced the plane down in Lake Wausau on Sept. 12.
The flight was en route from La Crosse County to Wausau when the incident occurred. The pilot, Leonard Boltz—a retired Air Force veteran—was flying the aircraft when it lost power mid-air. According to the NTSB’s findings, the engine failure was preventable and stemmed from a failure to follow standard fuel system operation protocols.
The report notes that Boltz’s aviation mechanic indicated the pilot had delayed switching fuel tanks and neglected to activate the aircraft’s electric fuel boost pump. Boltz reportedly stated that while preparing to land, he noticed the engine exhaust gas temperature was running higher than normal. The pilot told investigators this observation reminded him to switch the fuel supply from the left tank to the right tank.
However, after selecting the right tank and advancing the mixture and throttle levers to the full forward position, the engine failed to restart or provide power. The NTSB confirmed that while Boltz attempted to restore power, he did not turn on the electric fuel boost pump as required by standard emergency procedures. Recognizing that the engine remained unresponsive and the plane would not reach the runway, Boltz initiated an emergency landing in the waters of Lake Wausau.
The impact caused “substantial damage” to the plane, specifically affecting the fuselage, the left wing, the left aileron, and the engine mount. Following the splashdown, both Tiffany and Boltz were able to exit the sinking aircraft on their own. Boltz successfully contacted 911, and the pair were subsequently rescued by a local fire department airboat. Both men were treated for minor injuries, including cuts that required stitches.
Following the crash, Rep. Tiffany publicly commended Boltz for his handling of the harrowing situation, acknowledging his background as a seasoned pilot.
The NTSB report confirms that while the investigation into the incident is ongoing, the immediate cause has been traced to the pilot’s actions regarding fuel management. The agency has archived the incident under report number CEN26LA319, which is available for public review through the NTSB’s online database.
As of Tuesday, representatives for Rep. Tiffany have not provided additional comment regarding the federal findings. Both the congressman and Boltz have recovered from their injuries sustained in the emergency landing.
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