The Republican representative Tom Tiffany, a candidate for governor of Wisconsin, survived an emergency landing on Lake Wausau this Saturday after the small plane he was returning in lost power following a campaign event.
The incident occurred when the aircraft—a Beechcraft Bonanza K35, a single-engine four-seat model—failed to approach Wausau Downtown Airport, located in the central-north part of the state.
The pilot opted for an emergency water landing, and both occupants ended up in the lake.
"After landing, we called 911. When the plane started sinking, we exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area, where we waited until the emergency teams reached us by boat," Tiffany reported on their X account.
The congressman was returning from the Lincoln Day dinner in La Crosse County, a political event characteristic of the intense electoral campaign taking place in Wisconsin with less than two months to go before the gubernatorial elections on November 3.
The teams from the Wausau Fire Department arrived by boat and rescued both men, who were "alert and conscious" at the time of the rescue. Tiffany and the pilot were taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where they received medical attention.
In a second message posted this Sunday, the congressman confirmed that he had received stitches over his right eye and that he was discharged that same night. The pilot is also out of danger.
"I am especially grateful to the pilot, to the Wausau Fire Department, to law enforcement, to the first responders, and to the Aspirus Wausau Hospital team for their incredible care and swift response," wrote Tiffany, who also announced that he would hold a press conference today.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that it will open an investigation into the accident involving the Beechcraft K35 that was carrying two people.
His Democratic rival in the gubernatorial race, David Crowley, executive from Milwaukee County, reacted with relief to the news: "I thank God that Congressman Tiffany —and no one else— was injured in this incident, which could have ended in tragedy if it weren't for the pilot's heroism."
Tom Tiffany, who represents the 7th District of Wisconsin and has the support of President Donald Trump in his gubernatorial campaign for the upcoming November elections, concluded his account with a personal reflection: “An experience like this reminds you how precious life is”.
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