Congressman and pilot injured after Bonanza ditches in Wisconsin lake

A single-engine Beechcraft K35 Bonanza went down in Lake Wausau, Wisconsin, on Saturday night after its engine lost power on final approach to Wausau Downtown Airport. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and the pilot, Leonard Boltz, were the only people on board and both escaped with minor injuries.

According to the FAA, the aircraft hit the water at about 8:50 p.m.

Tiffany described the moments before impact at a news conference the following day. He said Boltz told him they were going down and to pull his seatbelt tight, and that they struck the water roughly ten seconds later. Boltz raised the landing gear before touchdown, Tiffany said.

After the aircraft came to rest, the two men opened the door and stayed with it while Boltz called for assistance. They got into the water as the Bonanza started to sink and swam an estimated 100 to 150 feet to shallower water, where they waited for emergency crews.

Tiffany needed 12 stitches for a cut above his right eye. Boltz also received treatment for minor injuries. Both were taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital and released. Boltz is 73 and flew in the Air Force before retiring, the Associated Press reported.

The Bonanza was still underwater on Sunday, with a no-wake buoy placed around it. The FAA is investigating the accident. The NTSB said it is waiting for the FAA to assess the damage to the aircraft before deciding whether it will take part in the inquiry.