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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.
Tiffany said the four-seat Bonanza was approaching Wausau Downtown Airport when it lost power following his appearance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
“The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau,” Tiffany wrote on X.
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Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a candidate for Wisconsin governor, gives a news conference, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)
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.
“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.
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Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin, a GOP gubernatorial candidate, speaks at a campaign event in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, on August 10, 2026. (Paul Steinhauser/)
Tiffany and the pilot were pulled from the lake and transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Both sustained only minor injuries, according to the congressman.
“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.
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Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., leaves the U.S. Capitol after the last votes of the week outside on Thursday, January 15, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“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.
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The cause of the reported power loss remains under investigation.
