Rep. Tom Tiffany, the Republican nominee for Wisconsin governor, said he sustained minor injuries Saturday night when a plane he was traveling in made an emergency water landing on Lake Wausau.
In a statement posted on X, Tiffany said he and the pilot swam to safety after the light aircraft lost power while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport. The plane landed in the lake and began to submerge.
“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. Thankfully, both the pilot and I sustained only minor injuries.”
Rescue and Investigation
Emergency services radio communications obtained by NBC News indicated that rescue teams were called to reports of a downed plane with two people in the water. The audio suggested that the two survivors pulled from the water were “alert and conscious.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that it would investigate the crash of a Beechcraft K35 with two people on board.
Political Reactions
Tiffany represents Wisconsin’s seventh congressional district and is endorsed by President Donald Trump in the November 3 gubernatorial election.
His Democratic opponent, David Crowley, said in a post on X: “I’m 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.”
Crowley added: “I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones.”
Tiffany reflected on the incident in his post, saying, “An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is.”