Congressman Tom Tiffany from Wisconsin has reported sustaining minor injuries following an emergency landing of the plane he was aboard in a lake. The incident, which involved Tiffany and the pilot, occurred when their small aircraft encountered mechanical difficulties, leading to a landing in Lake Wausau.
The Republican candidate for governor was returning from a dinner in La Crosse County when the plane suddenly lost power while approaching the Wausau Downtown Airport. This unexpected event prompted the pilot to execute an emergency landing.
Details of the Incident
According to the Marathon County Sheriff’s office, the emergency landing was reported at approximately 20:49 local time. After the plane touched down on the lake, Tiffany and the pilot exited the aircraft, which began to submerge, and swam to a shallow area.
Upon reaching safety, they called 911 for assistance. Tiffany later shared on social media that they waited for emergency responders to arrive by boat. The Wausau Fire Department’s airboat reached them about 15 minutes after the landing.
Injuries and Response
Both Tiffany and the pilot sustained minor injuries in the incident. Tiffany mentioned that he had a small cut above his right eye. Thankfully, they were the only occupants of the Beechcraft K35, a single-engine plane capable of carrying up to five people.
Expressing gratitude for their safety, Tiffany reflected on the experience, stating, “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 emphasized how moments like these reinforce the value of life.
Investigation Underway
The exact cause of the mechanical failure that led to the emergency landing is still under investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will conduct their assessments.
Meanwhile, the plane remains in the lake as emergency crews work on its retrieval. This incident raises important questions about aviation safety, particularly for small aircraft.
