(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
WAUSAU, WI — Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany escaped with only minor injuries Saturday night after the small plane carrying him home from a political event lost power and made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
Tiffany said he was returning home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport. The pilot was forced to make an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau.
“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,” Tiffany said. “The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau.”
Tiffany said he and the pilot called 911 after the aircraft landed, but the situation quickly became more dangerous as the plane began sinking.
“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,” Tiffany said.
The Wausau Fire Department and other emergency responders rescued Tiffany and the pilot from the water. Both were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital and suffered only minor injuries, according to Tiffany.
“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.”
The aircraft was described by Tiffany’s campaign as a four-seat Bonanza.
Tiffany said his wife, Chris, joined him at the hospital following the crash.
“God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side,” Tiffany said. “An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is.”
.
