Republican Congressman Swims To Safety After Plane Makes Emergency Landing In Wisconsin Lake

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany escaped with minor injuries after the small plane he was traveling in lost power and made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau, Wisconsin, Saturday night.

Tiffany, a Republican who represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and is currently his party’s nominee for governor, was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the aircraft experienced trouble while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport.

The pilot, identified by authorities as 73 year old Leonard E. Boltz, made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau shortly before 9 p.m.

After the plane hit the water, Tiffany and Boltz called 911. As the aircraft began sinking, both men got out and swam toward shallow water while emergency crews worked to locate them.

A Wausau Fire Department airboat reached the two men at approximately 9:05 p.m., about 16 minutes after the initial emergency call.

Both men were taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital with minor injuries and were later released. Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye that required stitches.

Tiffany thanked the pilot and emergency responders following the incident, saying the experience was a reminder of how precious life is.

The aircraft remained partially submerged in Lake Wausau Sunday. Authorities placed a buoy near the plane and asked boaters to stay away from the area until it can be removed.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and are expected to investigate what caused the aircraft to lose power.