U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and his pilot escaped with minor injuries Saturday night after their aircraft lost power and landed in Lake Wausau.
The Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor was returning from a political dinner when the four-seat Bonanza lost power near Wausau Downtown Airport.
Confirming the water landing in a public statement, Tiffany recounted the power failure.
“The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau,” he stated.
The congressman explained that the aircraft filled with water before rescuers arrived.
Describing their escape, Tiffany detailed how they reached safety.
“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,” he said.
Rescuers from the Wausau Fire Department retrieved both men and transported them to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Expressing appreciation, Tiffany commended the first responders.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on the experience, Tiffany shared a message of relief alongside his wife, Chris.
“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.
The cause of the power loss remains under investigation.