Tom Tiffany recovers after plane makes emergency landing

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, the Republican candidate for governor of Wisconsin, made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau Saturday night after his plane lost power while he was on his way home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner. Tiffany and the pilot of the four-seat Bonan aircraft exited the plane and swam to a shallow area, where they were rescued by boat by emergency responders, Tiffany said in a statement. 

“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. “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,” he added in the statement released late Saturday evening. 

On Sunday morning, Tiffany’s campaign released another statement thanking “everyone across Wisconsin and around the country who has reached out with prayers and kind words.” 

Tiffany suffered a laceration above his right eye that required stitches and both he and the pilot were was released from the hospital Saturday night, according to the campaign.  

Tiffany and the pilot were the only two people on board the Beechcraft K35, according to the campaign. An investigation into the accident will be handled by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, the Democratic candidate for governor, released a statement saying, “I’m grateful to God that Congressman Tiffany and no one else was hurt in this horrifying incident, which could have been a tragedy if not for the heroism of the pilot. I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones.”