Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate and US Congressman Tom Tiffany escaped with minor injuries after the small plane he was travelling in lost power and made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night.
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Tiffany said he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the four-seat aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport. The pilot then made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau.
After the plane hit the water, Tiffany and the pilot called 911. However, the aircraft began filling with water and submerging before rescuers could reach them.
Tiffany, pilot swim to shallow area
Tiffany said he and the pilot exited the plane and swam to a shallow area, where they waited for emergency responders to arrive by boat.
The two were rescued and taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Tiffany said both he and the pilot suffered only minor injuries.
“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 in a post on X.
