WAUSAU, WI — Congressman Tom Tiffany was released from the hospital after the plane he was traveling in made an emergency water landing Saturday night in Lake Wausau.
Tiffany issued a statement following the incident, saying the plane lost power as it approached the Wausau Downtown Airport after he was returning home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
“While returning home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner, the plane I was traveling in lost power as we approached the Wausau Downtown Airport. The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau.
“After landing, we called 911. 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.
“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. They got us safely off the water and transported us to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where we received excellent care. Thankfully, both the pilot and I sustained only minor injuries.
“God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side. An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is.”
The plane Tiffany was traveling in was a four-seat Bonanza. According to a Sunday morning update from the Tiffany for Wisconsin campaign, Tiffany and the pilot were the only two people aboard the Beechcraft K35.
The campaign said Tiffany suffered a laceration above his right eye that required stitches. He was released from the hospital Saturday night, as was the pilot.
“Tom wants to thank everyone across Wisconsin and around the country who has reached out with prayers and kind words. He and his family deeply appreciate the outpouring of support they have received.
“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.
“Tom also wants to again thank the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, law enforcement, first responders, and everyone who helped get them safely off the water. He will address the media later today in Wausau.”
The campaign said the investigation into the loss of power will be handled by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Last Update: Sep 14, 2026 10:42 am CDT
