Wisconsin’s 7th District Representative Tom Tiffany, who is also the Republican nominee for governor, survived an unexpected emergency landing on Lake Wausau Saturday night. The incident occurred as he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska.
What happened
According to Tiffany’s post on X, the aircraft lost power while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport. The pilot executed a water landing in the lake, and both occupants quickly exited the submerged plane. They swam to a shallow area where they awaited rescue.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes. The Wausau Fire Department, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and State Patrol all coordinated the rescue. Tiffany and the pilot were lifted from the water, taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, and treated for minor injuries.
Response from officials
“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 wrote. “They got us safely off the water and transported us to the hospital, where we received excellent care.”
Marathon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a buoy will mark the aircraft’s location and asked the public to stay clear of the area while investigators work. The Federal Aviation Administration will take over the investigation.
Political context
Tiffany, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination with the endorsement of President Donald Trump. The incident has drawn attention to his campaign, but both Tiffany and his Democratic opponent, David Crowley, emphasized gratitude that no one was seriously harmed.
Crowley posted, “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.” He added wishes for a swift recovery.
Looking ahead
The plane will remain marked until investigators complete their review. Tiffany’s campaign has not indicated any change to his schedule, and he remains focused on the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Local authorities continue to remind residents to avoid the lake’s immediate vicinity while safety crews conduct their work.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
