NTSB attributes Tom Tiffany plane crash to pilot error

A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has attributed the September plane crash involving U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany to pilot error and power loss.

On the evening of September 12, while traveling from La Crosse to Wausau, the small aircraft experienced an engine failure that necessitated an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau. The NTSB determined the loss of power was caused by the pilot, Leonard Boltz, delaying the switch to a different fuel tank and failing to activate the electric fuel boost pump.

While the left main fuel tank had run out of gas, fuel remained in the right main tank and two auxiliary tanks. The impact caused substantial damage to the plane’s fuselage, engine mount, left wing, and left aileron. Both Tiffany and Boltz sustained minor injuries and were treated at a hospital; Tiffany required stitches after striking the dashboard.