Republican Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany sustained minor injuries after the small plane he was traveling in made an emergency landing on Lake Wausau Saturday evening. The incident occurred as Tiffany returned from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner near Wausau Downtown Airport.
Both Tiffany and the pilot exited the aircraft before it began to submerge, swimming to shallow water where they awaited rescue. Emergency responders from the Wausau Fire Department and other agencies retrieved them by boat and transported them to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Tiffany confirmed the aircraft lost power during its approach to the airport, forcing the pilot to perform the water landing. He later expressed gratitude to first responders, stating in a social media post: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, and all of the first responders who came to our aid so quickly.”
Timeline of the Incident
At approximately 9 p.m. local time on Saturday, a private four-seat Bonanza aircraft lost power while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport. The pilot initiated an emergency water landing on Lake Wausau, according to Tiffany’s account and local reports.
Tiffany and the pilot made a 911 call immediately after landing but were forced to exit the aircraft as it began filling with water. They swam to a shallow area and waited for emergency crews to arrive by boat. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident and stated the investigation was later transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Both individuals were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, as verified by Tiffany and local authorities.
Political Context and Responses
Tiffany, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, is running against David Crowley, a Democrat and Milwaukee County Executive, in Wisconsin’s upcoming election. Crowley responded to the incident with a statement of relief, saying: “I am grateful to God that Congressman Tiffany and no one else was hurt in this horrifying incident, which could have been a tragedy if not for the heroism of the pilot.”
Tiffany’s campaign framed the event as a testament to the skill of the pilot and the effectiveness of emergency responders. In a social media post, he wrote: “God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side. An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is.”
Aircraft and Safety Details
The Bonanza aircraft, a single-engine propeller plane, was reportedly operating under private flight rules at the time of the incident. The FAA confirmed it had taken over the investigation following the emergency landing.
Local news affiliate WSAW-TV initially reported the incident, quoting the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office as the source of the emergency call. No further details about the aircraft’s mechanical failure have been released as of this report.
Aftermath and Public Reaction
Tiffany was released from the hospital shortly after the incident, with his wife present. The event drew widespread attention on social media, with many users offering prayers and messages of support for Tiffany and the pilot.
The Wausau Fire Department and other emergency services have not released additional statements beyond confirming the rescue and transport of the two individuals.