Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany reported Sunday that he suffered only minor injuries following an emergency water landing on Lake Wausau. Tiffany, who is currently campaigning for the state’s governorship, took to social media to share details of the incident, which occurred as he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
According to Tiffany, the aircraft he was aboard experienced engine failure while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport. The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing on the water. As the plane began to sink, Tiffany and the pilot exited the cockpit and swam to a shallow area, where they waited for assistance from emergency responders.
“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 wrote. “Thankfully, both the pilot and I sustained only minor injuries.”
David Crowley, Tiffany’s Democratic opponent, released a statement expressing relief that no one was seriously harmed. “I am 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,” Crowley said.
WSAW-TV, a CBS affiliate, initially reported at 9 p.m. local time that a private plane had gone down in the lake. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident, noting that the investigation has been turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration.
In a subsequent update, Tiffany reflected on the near-death 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. An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is.”
Props to the pilot for keeping cool under pressure. That’s some serious skill in a panic situation.
Glad he’s okay, but an emergency water landing during a campaign? Talk about unexpected drama right before the election.