Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany suffers minor injuries when his plane makes an emergency landing in a lake

Wisconsin Rep Tom Tiffany Suffers Minor Injuries in Lake Landing

Earthguardiansonline.com – Wisconsin Rep Tom Tiffany suffers minor injuries after a small plane lost power and made an emergency landing on Lake Wausau late Saturday. Tiffany and the pilot escaped the aircraft, which began taking on water, and were rescued by emergency crews.

The Republican congressman and Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate was traveling home after attending the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska. The emergency occurred as the flight approached Wausau Downtown Airport in central Wisconsin.

Emergency Landing Near Wausau Downtown Airport

Tiffany said the pilot brought the plane down on Lake Wausau after the reported power loss. The two occupants called emergency services while still in the aircraft as it started to submerge.

Both men exited the plane and swam toward shallow water, where they waited for help. Dispatch recordings from the response indicated that rescuers removed both occupants from the water and that they were alert and conscious.

“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.”

Wisconsin Rep Tom Tiffany suffers no reported serious injuries, according to his public statement. He was taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for treatment, while information released by Tiffany did not identify the pilot or detail the pilot’s condition.

Rescue Crews Mark Aircraft Site

The Wausau Fire Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin State Patrol responded to the water rescue. Authorities said the plane would be marked with a buoy and asked the public to stay away from the area around the aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to investigate the emergency landing. Officials had not immediately released additional details about the reported power loss, the type of aircraft involved or plans for removing the plane from the lake.

Lake Wausau, a Wisconsin River reservoir near the city and its downtown airport, became the site of a rapid rescue after the plane went down. The incident ended with both occupants safely out of the water despite the aircraft submerging.

Political Response After the Incident

Tiffany is a member of the House Freedom Caucus and recently secured the Republican nomination in Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race. His campaign has been supported by President Donald Trump.

David Crowley, Tiffany’s Democratic opponent in the governor’s race, said he was grateful that the incident did not lead to more serious harm and credited the pilot’s actions.

“I am 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,” Crowley said.

Tiffany said he was grateful to be alive and to have his wife, Chris, with him at the hospital. Wisconsin Rep Tom Tiffany suffers minor injuries, but his account emphasized the quick response by the pilot and first responders.

Lake Wausau Emergency Landing FAQ

Where did the plane land? The aircraft made an emergency landing on Lake Wausau near Wausau Downtown Airport in central Wisconsin.

What caused the emergency landing? Tiffany said the plane lost power, but authorities had not publicly released further information about the cause.

Were the occupants rescued? Yes. Tiffany and the pilot left the aircraft, reached shallow water and were rescued. Dispatch communications indicated both were alert and conscious.

Should people avoid the aircraft area? Yes. Authorities said the submerged plane would be marked with a buoy and asked the public to avoid the site.