Tom Tiffany Survives Harrowing Lake Wausau Crash, Recovers Strong

U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany is on the mend after a small aircraft he was traveling in made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau Saturday night.

The incident occurred as the plane approached Wausau Downtown Airport.

The congressman was heading home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the plane reportedly lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport. The loss of power prompted the pilot to act swiftly.

The pilot then performed a forced landing on the lake, and the aircraft began taking on water. The plane remained afloat long enough for evacuation.

Both men called 911, swam to shallow water while waiting for rescuers. They then swam toward shallow water while waiting for rescuers.

Emergency crews transported them to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where they suffered only minor injuries. Both men were evaluated by medical staff before being released.

Tiffany thanked the pilot and first responders for their quick actions. He thanked his wife Chris for her support during the ordeal.

The cause of the plane's power loss has not been determined. Investigators are still examining possible mechanical issues.

Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, is the Republican nominee for governor and will face Democratic nominee David Crowley in November. The gubernatorial race is expected to be contested statewide.

## Background and Context

The flight departed from La Crosse after the Lincoln Day Dinner, heading north toward Wausau. It was a small four‑seat aircraft carrying the congressman and the pilot.

During the approach to Wausau Downtown Airport, the plane lost power, prompting an emergency water landing on the lake. The plane remained afloat long enough for evacuation.

Tiffany and the pilot immediately called 911 after realizing the plane was taking on water. They then swam toward shallow water while waiting for rescuers.

Rescue crews from the Wausau Fire Department arrived by boat, and both men were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital with only minor injuries. Both men were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital with only minor injuries.

The pilot's quick decision to land on the lake allowed the aircraft to remain afloat. The aircraft's design allowed it to remain buoyant, preventing a rapid submersion.

After the plane was evacuated, emergency medical personnel began assessing injuries. Both men were treated for minor bruises and water exposure.

The local authorities noted that the plane's power loss occurred at a critical phase of flight. No debris was found in the lake after the incident.

## Reactions and Next Steps

Tiffany expressed gratitude to the pilot and first responders for their quick actions. He thanked his wife Chris for her support during the ordeal.

Crowley praised the pilot’s actions. He expressed relief that neither he nor the pilot suffered serious injuries.

Tiffany remains focused on his gubernatorial campaign, which will culminate in the November election against Crowley. He continues to focus on his campaign ahead of the November election.

Tiffany's wife, Chris, was by his side throughout the hospital stay. She expressed relief that both her husband and the pilot were safe.

The Wausau Fire Department was among the first responders who helped evacuate the men from the water. Their crew secured the men and ensured a rapid evacuation.

The emergency landing event highlights the unpredictable nature of travel and underscores the importance of prompt emergency response. Officials will investigate further to identify the cause.