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Wisconsin GOP governor candidate swims from sinking plane after emergency lake landing
By Stepheny Price
Published September 13, 2026
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 after his appearance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
"The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau," Tiffany wrote on X.
Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a candidate for Wisconsin governor, gives a news conference 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.
Tiffany's campaign later released a statement explaining the circumstances of the crash and the candidate's injuries.
"Tom suffered a laceration above his right eye that required stitches and was released from the hospital last night. The pilot was also released. Tom and his family thank God that neither suffered more serious injuries and are grateful for the exceptional care he received at Aspirus Wausau Hospital," the statement said.
"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.
MULTIPLE INJURED AFTER FLOATPLANE MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING, CATCHES FIRE OFF WASHINGTON COAST
Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin, a GOP gubernatorial candidate, speaks at a campaign event in Oconomowoc, Wis., Aug. 10, 2026. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)
Tiffany and the pilot were pulled from the lake and transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Both sustained only minor injuries, according to the congressman.
Tiffany and the pilot were the only two people on board the Beechcraft K35. The investigation into the loss of power will be handled by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, the campaign says.
Tiffany shared that his wife, Chris, was by his side at the hospital after 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.
Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., leaves the U.S. Capitol after the last votes of the week outside Jan. 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 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.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/tom-tiffany-wisconsin-plane-crash-emergency-landing