Report Finds Pilot Error Led to Tom Tiffany Plane Crash

Congressman Tom Tiffany at Clifford’s Supper Club. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.

The small plane carrying Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany crashed into Lake Wausau in September after its pilot waited too long to switch fuel tanks and failed to activate the electric fuel pump, according to a preliminary federal investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board released its initial findings Tuesday, Oct. 13, one month after the Sept. 12 crash that left Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz, 73, with minor injuries.

The report indicates the Beechcraft Bonanza ran out of usable fuel from the tank the pilot had selected, despite having substantial fuel remaining in three other tanks.

An examination of the aircraft after it was recovered from the lake found the left main fuel tank empty. The right main tank and both auxiliary tanks were full.

According to the report, Boltz acknowledged in a conversation with his aviation mechanic that his actions caused the engine to lose power.

“In a post-accident interview with an FAA inspector, the pilot’s aviation mechanic stated that he and the pilot discussed the accident, during which the pilot said the loss of engine power was due to his delay in switching fuel tanks and not turning on the electric fuel boost pump,” the report says.

The findings provide the first detailed explanation of what went wrong aboard the aircraft as Tiffany returned from the La Crosse County Republican Party‘s Lincoln Day Dinner.

The flight departed La Crosse Regional Airport at approximately 8:15 p.m. and was approaching Wausau Downtown Airport shortly before 9 p.m. when the engine lost power.

According to investigators, Boltz was preparing to land when he extended the aircraft’s landing gear and noticed a higher-than-normal engine exhaust gas temperature.

The temperature reading reminded him to switch fuel tanks.

Boltz selected the right main tank and pushed the engine’s throttle and fuel mixture controls fully forward, but the engine did not respond. He told investigators he did not activate the aircraft’s electric fuel boost pump while attempting to restore power.

With the aircraft losing altitude, Boltz maneuvered toward the airport runway before preparing for an emergency landing in Lake Wausau, which borders the airport.

The aircraft struck the water at about 8:49 p.m., sustaining substantial damage to its fuselage, left wing, left aileron and engine mount.

Three Tanks Still Had Fuel

The report also details the aircraft’s fuel use earlier that day.

Boltz had departed Langlade County Airport in Antigo with 70 gallons of fuel, including 25 gallons in each of the two main tanks and 10 gallons in each auxiliary tank.

He first flew to La Crosse, where he picked up Tiffany for the return trip. The plane was not refueled before departing La Crosse.

Boltz told investigators he had used the left main tank for both flights, except for brief periods when he selected the auxiliary tanks during cruising flight.

By the time the plane crashed, the left tank was empty.

Investigators found the fuel selector positioned to the right main tank, consistent with Boltz’s account of switching tanks shortly before the crash. The electric fuel boost pump was switched off, and the engine controls were positioned nearly fully forward.

All four fuel tank caps were secured.

The plane was recovered from Lake Wausau and placed in a hangar for examination.

The report also notes that the aircraft was not equipped with shoulder harnesses, although they were not required.

The report’s findings are preliminary. Investigators have not yet issued a final determination of the accident’s probable cause.

Tiffany Praised Pilot After Crash

Despite the apparent pilot error, Tiffany praised Boltz’s handling of the emergency landing during a Sept. 13 news conference. Boltz did not appear at the news conference.

Tiffany said Boltz warned him “we are going down” about 10 seconds before the aircraft struck the lake.

The two initially climbed onto the aircraft as it began to sink, then swam about 150 feet to shallower water.

They waited for emergency responders to arrive by boat and were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Tiffany sustained a cut above his right eye that required 12 stitches. Boltz also sustained minor injuries.

Tiffany, who had flown with Boltz previously, credited the pilot’s skills and calm demeanor with helping them survive the ordeal.

“We are just really fortunate that God was looking after us,” said Tiffany at the time.

The congressman, who represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, faces Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, the Democratic nominee, in the Nov. 3 gubernatorial election.

The Transportation Safety Board’s investigation remains ongoing.