The Republican gubernatorial candidate thanks first responders following a harrowing incident on Lake Wausau
Category: Politics
Congressman Tom Tiffany, the Republican nominee for governor of Wisconsin, suffered minor injuries during an emergency water landing on Saturday night on Lake Wausau. The incident occurred as Tiffany was returning from a Lincoln Day Dinner event in La Crosse County.
According to a media release from Tiffany, the light aircraft, a Beechcraft K35, lost power as it approached the Wausau Downtown Airport. "After landing, we called 911. 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 in a statement on social media.
Both Tiffany and the pilot were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where they received excellent care. Tiffany expressed his gratitude to the pilot and the first responders, stating, "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. They got us safely off the water and transported us to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where we received excellent care." Thankfully, both he and the pilot sustained only minor injuries.
The Marathon County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the plane experienced a mechanical issue, leading to the emergency landing. The FAA has announced it will investigate the incident, which occurred around 8:50 p.m. on September 12, 2026.
Tiffany, who is running for governor in the upcoming November elections, has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. His Democratic opponent, David Crowley, responded to the incident on social media, expressing relief that no one was seriously injured. "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. I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones," Crowley said.
This incident comes at a particularly sensitive time for Tiffany, as he campaigns for the governorship of Wisconsin, a state that has seen a contentious political climate in recent years. His Republican primary victory last month positioned him as a prominent figure in state politics, especially with Trump's endorsement bolstering his campaign.
The emergency landing raises questions about aviation safety, particularly for small aircraft. The Beechcraft K35, also known as a Bonanza, is a popular model among private pilots, but incidents like this highlight the potential dangers associated with flying in small planes. The FAA's investigation will likely focus on the mechanical issues that caused the power loss.
In the aftermath of the incident, local authorities, including the Marathon County Sheriff's Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, have been involved in securing the crash site. The downed aircraft was marked with a buoy to prevent other boats from approaching, and officials have urged the public to maintain a safe distance.
As the investigation progresses, the FAA will provide updates on the findings related to the mechanical failure that led to the emergency landing. This incident will also likely impact Tiffany's campaign as he navigates the political repercussions of such a close call.
Tiffany's experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of safety measures in aviation. "God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side. An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is," Tiffany stated, emphasizing the emotional impact of the incident.
In the immediate future, Tiffany is expected to continue his campaign activities, albeit with a renewed focus on safety and the importance of first responders. The incident has drawn attention on social media, with many supporters expressing relief that both he and the pilot escaped without serious injuries.
As Tiffany recovers, he will also need to address the concerns of voters who may question the safety of small aircraft, particularly in light of this incident. With the gubernatorial election approaching, how he handles the fallout from this emergency landing could play a role in shaping public perception.
In a statement released by his campaign, Tiffany expressed hope for a quick recovery and thanked those who reached out with support. The FAA's investigation will provide clarity on the incident, but for now, both Tiffany and the pilot are focused on healing and moving forward from this harrowing experience.