Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany recalled the terrifying moment he learned the small aircraft carrying him was about to crash into a lake over the weekend.
The Republican lawmaker escaped with a single head laceration after a four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza lost power and made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
Recalling the emergency during a final landing approach, Tiffany noted the pilot turned to warn him: “Tom, we are going down, pull your seatbelt as tight as possible.”
Describing the sudden descent, Tiffany depicted the view from the cockpit: “It was like staring into the abyss.”
Reflecting on the uncertainty during the drop, the congressman added: “And you don’t know how far down it is.”
Recounting his reaction before impact, Tiffany described securing his harness: “I pulled that seatbelt as tight as I could.”
Recalling the violent water landing, Tiffany stated: “It was just a couple seconds later, we hit the water, and we hit it hard.”
Assessing their condition immediately after impact, Tiffany asked the aviator: “Are you okay?”
Explaining their escape from the sinking cabin, Tiffany detailed how both men forced the door open and swam toward shore before emergency crews arrived.
Reflecting on the rescue, Tiffany praised first responders: “I can’t thank them enough for what they did.”
Expressing gratitude for surviving the wreckage, the candidate emphasized: “It’s by the grace of God that we are here today.”
Detailing his injuries, Tiffany required 12 stitches above his eye, while the pilot needed four stitches.
Crediting the pilot’s skill, Tiffany praised the aviator for keeping the plane upright during impact.
Confirming cabin occupancy, officials verified that no other passengers were aboard the plane.
Addressing the ongoing federal review, authorities noted the cause of the sudden power loss remains under investigation.
Representing Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District since 2020, Tiffany is competing in a gubernatorial contest against Democrat David Crowley.