The Crash in Wausau
Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany and his pilot escaped a sinking plane after an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night. The small aircraft lost power while approaching the Wausau Downtown Airport following a dinner event, per reports from the Daily Wire. According to the outlet, the four-seat Bonanza began sinking immediately after hitting the water. Tiffany and the pilot called 911 but had to exit the aircraft as it filled with water. They swam to a shallow area and waited for rescue boats in the cool night air.
Aspirus Wausau Hospital treated both men after they suffered only minor injuries. Stating that the pilot executed an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau, Tiffany shared his account on social media. He noted the danger of the situation as the plane went under. “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,” he said.
A Narrow Escape
Temperatures in Wausau were in the low 60s that night and expected to drop further. The pair waited in the water until the Wausau Fire Department arrived with a boat to pull them out. Tiffany thanked the first responders for their quick action and care. “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. He added that the team transported them safely to the hospital where they received excellent care.
Gratitude and Future Plans
Tiffany expressed deep relief at being alive and thanked God for protecting them during the ordeal. “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. His wife was present at the hospital after the rescue. He reflected on the value of life following the close call with death. “An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is,” Tiffany told reporters. Social media users sent messages of relief and prayers for his safety and recovery.
This incident occurs less than two months before the November election for Wisconsin governor. Tiffany is set to compete against Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in the upcoming race. President Donald Trump has endorsed Tiffany for the governor’s seat in this key battleground state. Democratic opponent Crowley responded to the news by wishing Tiffany a speedy recovery. He stated he was glad no one else was hurt in the incident.
Medical staff released both men from the hospital Sunday morning after final checks. The National Transportation Safety Board has opened a preliminary investigation into the engine failure. Tiffany plans to resume campaign events in Waukesha County by Tuesday. No timeline exists for when the submerged aircraft will be recovered from the lake.
