NTSB Cites Pilot Error in Tiffany Plane Crash

A preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report says pilot error led to the Sept. 12 emergency water landing of a plane carrying Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany near Wausau. Pilot Leonard Boltz noticed an unusually high engine exhaust temperature on approach and switched fuel tanks, but the engine did not regain power; he later told a mechanic that he had delayed switching tanks and had not activated the electric fuel boost pump. The Beech K35 struck Lake Wausau as Boltz attempted to reach the airport, sustaining substantial damage; the report noted the left main tank was empty while the other tanks contained fuel. Tiffany and Boltz escaped, swam to shallow water and were rescued by boat. Both received stitches, and Tiffany was kept overnight in the hospital; the investigation is ongoing.