Rep. Tom Tiffany and his pilot escaped with minor injuries after their plane lost power and made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday evening, September 13, 2026, according to local reports.
Rep. Tom Tiffany was returning from an appearance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the four-seat Bonanza aircraft he was traveling in lost power while approaching the Wausau Downtown Airport. The aircraft lost power as it neared the airfield, forcing the pilot to execute an immediate descent onto the water.
Emergency Landing and Water Rescue on Lake Wausau
The pilot successfully brought the aircraft down on the surface of the lake, but the situation quickly escalated as water began pouring into the cabin. Realizing the plane was taking on water, Tiffany and the pilot placed an emergency call to 911 before the aircraft began to submerge.
Rescuers from the Wausau Fire Department and other local agencies arrived by boat, pulled both men from the water, and transported them to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Both individuals sustained only minor injuries in the harrowing incident.
Hospital Recovery and Public Reactions
Following the rescue, Tiffany shared details of the close call online, noting that his wife, Chris, joined him at the hospital.
The congressman also expressed deep appreciation for the rapid response of local emergency personnel who got them safely off the water and provided prompt medical care.
Messages of relief and support circulated quickly across social media channels. Political figures also weighed in on the incident. Democratic gubernatorial opponent David Crowley took to X to wish the congressman a speedy recovery, praising the pilot’s swift actions during what could have been a much graver disaster.
Ongoing Investigation into the Power Loss
Tiffany currently represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District alongside his active campaign for the state’s upcoming gubernatorial election. While both passengers emerged from the water with minor injuries, the exact cause of the reported power loss remains under active investigation.
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