U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor, and his pilot escaped with only minor injuries Saturday night after their small plane lost power and had to make an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
Tiffany said the four-seat Bonanza aircraft was approaching Wausau Downtown Airport when it lost power. The flight came after he spoke at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in La Crosse County.
“The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau,” Tiffany wrote on X.
According to Tiffany, he and the pilot called 911 immediately after the plane hit the water, but the aircraft began taking on water and sinking before help could arrive.
“As the plane began to submerge, we exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area, where we waited until emergency responders reached us by boat,” Tiffany said.
Both men were pulled from the lake and taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries.
“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,” Tiffany said. “They got us safely off the water and transported us to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where we received excellent care.”
Tiffany said his wife, Chris, joined him at the hospital after the ordeal.
“God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side,” he said. “An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is.”
Tiffany represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and is currently running as the Republican candidate for governor in the state’s upcoming election. The cause of the power loss remains under investigation.
