September 13, 2026 – Wausau, Wi – A scary situation for Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany whose plane had to make an emergency water landing. Tiffany’s statement is below.
UPDATE – 8:30 a.m. – Tiffany Campaign provides Update Following Saturday night’s emergency water landing in Lake Wausau:
“Tom wants to thank everyone across Wisconsin and around the country who has reached out with prayers and kind words. He and his family deeply appreciate the outpouring of support they have received.
“Tom suffered a laceration above his right eye that required stitches and was released from the hospital last night. The pilot was also released. Tom and his family thank God that neither suffered more serious injuries and are grateful for the exceptional care he received at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
“Tom also wants to again thank the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, law enforcement, first responders, and everyone who helped get them safely off the water. He will address the media later today in Wausau.”
Congressman Tiffany and the pilot were the only two people on board the Beechcraft K35. The investigation into the loss of power will be handled by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
WAUSAU, WI – Tom Tiffany issued the following statement after the plane carrying him home from tonight’s La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner made 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. The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau.
“After landing, we called 911. 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.
“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. 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, 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.”
The plane Tom Tiffany was traveling in was a four-seat Bonanza.