Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and his pilot walked away from a harrowing water landing with only minor injuries Saturday night.
Emergency Landing
Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and his pilot survived an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau after their four‑seat Bonanza lost power moments before reaching Wausau Downtown Airport, according to Tiffany’s X post.
The aircraft, a Bonanza, was on final approach following his speech at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the engine failed, forcing the pilot to ditch the plane, Tiffany wrote.
Both occupants exited the sinking plane and swam to shallow water, where they waited for first responders to arrive by boat, Tiffany said.
Medical Response
Firefighters and the Wausau Fire Department rescued Tiffany and the pilot, who were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital with minor injuries, the congressman reported.
“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 in a statement.
His wife, Chris, was present at the hospital, he added, and the couple expressed relief that life was spared.
Public Reaction
Social media flooded with messages of relief after Tiffany posted details of the incident, with users writing, “Very glad you are okay, Congressman Tiffany,” and “Prayers to you and everyone aboard that flight!”
Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and is campaigning for governor, thanked God for watching over the group.
“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.”
Investigation Ongoing
The cause of the power loss remains under investigation, officials said.
Tiffany currently serves as the Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor in the upcoming election.
