GOP Governor Candidate Escapes Sinking Plane in Wisconsin Lake

Clear Facts

• Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany survived an emergency lake landing Saturday night after his small plane lost power
• Tiffany and the pilot swam to shallow water as the four-seat Bonanza began sinking in Lake Wausau
• Both men sustained only minor injuries and were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for treatment

Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany said he and a pilot escaped with minor injuries after their small plane lost power and made an emergency landing in a lake Saturday night. The harrowing incident occurred as Tiffany was returning from a campaign appearance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.

Tiffany said the four-seat Bonanza was approaching Wausau Downtown Airport when it suddenly lost power.

“The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau,” Tiffany wrote on X.

The congressman explained that he and the pilot quickly called 911 after hitting the water, but the aircraft began filling and sinking into the lake before rescuers could reach them. Time was of the essence as the plane took on water rapidly.

“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,” Tiffany said.

Tiffany and the pilot were pulled from the lake and transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Both sustained only minor injuries, according to the congressman. The quick response from emergency personnel likely prevented a tragic outcome.

“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.”

Tiffany shared that his wife, Chris, was by his side at the hospital following the harrowing landing and water rescue.

“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.”

Prayers and messages of relief poured in across social media after Tiffany shared details of the close call. Supporters and constituents expressed gratitude for the congressman’s safety.

“My god! What an ordeal. Very grateful everyone is safe,” one person wrote.

“Very glad you are okay, Congressman Tiffany,” another commented.

“Prayers to you and everyone aboard that flight!” a third person wrote. “So thankful you are all alive and able to see your loved ones.”

Tiffany currently represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and is running as the Republican candidate for governor in the state’s upcoming election. The incident comes as the campaign enters a critical phase ahead of the gubernatorial race.

The cause of the reported power loss remains under investigation. Federal aviation authorities are expected to examine the aircraft and circumstances surrounding the emergency landing.

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