Emergency water landing: Tom Tiffany's plane loses power after campaign event
Emergency water landing: Tom Tiffany's plane loses power
Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany's small plane lost power and made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau while returning from a campaign event.
WAUSAU, Wis. - Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor Tom Tiffany suffered minor injuries after the small plane he was traveling in made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night, Sept. 12.
Emergency landing
What we know:
The Marathon County Sheriff's Office said preliminary information indicates the aircraft, a Beechcraft K35, experienced a mechanical issue while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport, where it was scheduled to land. The pilot, Leonard Boltz of Pearson, Wisconsin, then made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
A 911 call for help was made at 8:49 p.m. By 9:05 p.m., Tiffany and the pilot were rescued by a Wausau Fire Department airboat.
The red marker shows the approximate location of the aircraft in Lake Wausau, according to the Marathon County Sheriff's Office.
What they're saying:
"I have to say that the gravity of this is probably just hitting me at this point, because we were making jokes every step of the way," Tiffany said during a Sunday afternoon news conference. "Last night, though, we knew it was a serious situation. And, but we, we tried to keep it light through the whole thing and. We're just really fortunate that we had a skilled pilot who knew what he's doing as we were going down after we lost power, and just really fortunate he knew what he was doing. And, from what I understand from land, he pulled up the landing gear. For those of you familiar with planes, if you leave your landing gear down, I guess when you do a water landing, your plane can cartwheel. He was savvy enough and quick enough to think about."
Tiffany was clearly emotional about the incident.
"It's quite a night. Quite a day. And, just grateful for the Lord for sparing us to see another day," Tiffany said.
Tiffany told reporters he needed 12 stitches for the cut above his right eye. Other than that, he suffered minor scratches. The pilot also needed four stitches for a cut.
Tiffany campaign statement
What they're saying:
The Tiffany campaign issued the following statement on this incident from Saturday, Sept. 12:
"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 (cut above his right eye).
"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."
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The investigation
Dig deeper:
The plane Tom Tiffany was traveling in was a four-seat Bonanza. The aircraft remains in Lake Wausau. A no-wake buoy has been placed near the aircraft. Boaters are being asked to avoid the marked area and use caution until crews can remove the aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified and will investigate the incident.
Reaction
What they're saying:
The David Crowley for governor campaign issued the following statement on X:
"I’m 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.
"I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones."
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The Milwaukee Police Association issued the following statement:
"The Milwaukee Police Association is grateful that Congressman Tom Tiffany and the pilot are safe following last night’s frightening emergency landing in Lake Wausau. We commend the pilot for his extraordinary skill and quick decision-making in an incredibly dangerous situation actions that very likely saved the Congressman’s life. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Wausau Fire Department, law enforcement, EMS personnel, and all first responders whose rapid response helped bring Congressman Tom Tiffany and the pilot safely off the water. This incident is another reminder of the courage, training, and professionalism displayed by those who act when lives are on the line."
The Source: Information in this post was provided by the Marathon County Sheriff's Office and the Tom Tiffany campaign.