Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany and his pilot escaped Saturday night with minor injuries after their small plane lost power on approach to Wausau Downtown Airport and made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
Tiffany posted the account early Sunday, saying he was flying home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska when the aircraft lost power. The pilot put the four-seat Bonanza down on the water. After they called 911, the plane began to submerge. They climbed out, swam to a shallow area, and waited until Wausau Fire Department crews reached them by boat.
Both men were taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Dispatch audio confirmed they were alert and conscious. Tiffany said he was there with his wife, Chris.
Tom’s post on Social Media:
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.
