Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Tiffany Survives Emergency Water Landing
By Drooid · · How we work
Emergency Water Landing on Lake Wausau
On the night of September 12, 2026, a four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza carrying U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and the pilot lost power while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport. The pilot executed an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau. Both occupants exited the sinking aircraft, swam to a shallow area, and were rescued by the Wausau Fire Department and taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for minor injuries.
Background & Context
Tiffany, the Republican nominee for governor, secured the nomination in August with President Donald Trump’s endorsement and will face Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in the November 3 gubernatorial contest. The incident occurred as he returned from a political fundraiser in La Crosse.
Timeline
- September 12, 2026 – Plane loses power; water landing; Tiffany and pilot rescued.
- September 13, 2026 – Tiffany posts an account on X; Crowley issues a relief statement.
- November 3, 2026 – Wisconsin gubernatorial election.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft: Beechcraft Bonanza (single-engine).
- Occupants: 2 (Tiffany and pilot).
- Injuries: minor for both.
- Rescue: 911 call placed immediately; boat retrieval; transport to hospital.
Official Statements & Responses
Tiffany thanked the pilot, the fire department and first responders, noting his wife Chris was at the hospital. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office said the aircraft would be marked with a buoy and advised the public to keep a safe distance. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, State Patrol and the FAA are investigating.
Why It Matters
The incident puts a high-profile candidate in the spotlight shortly before the election, potentially influencing voter perceptions of his crisis response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side.” — Tom 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.” — Tom Tiffany
- “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.” — Tom Tiffany
What's Next
Tiffany is expected to resume campaign activities while the FAA investigation continues.