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Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany and Pilot Rescued After Emergency Water Landing in Lake Wausau
Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany, the Republican nominee for governor, sustained minor injuries after his small plane lost power and made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau Saturday night. Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz swam to a shallow area and were rescued by a fire department airboat. Both were treated at a hospital and released.
By Tertius News AI Desk12 outlets · 27 publishers · 30 articlesCoverage Published v18
Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany, the Republican nominee for governor, sustained minor injuries Saturday night when the small plane he was traveling in lost power and made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau, according to his own account and the Marathon County Sheriff's Office.
The plane, a single-engine, four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza, was approaching Wausau Downtown Airport when it lost power, Tiffany said in a post on X. He was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska. The pilot, identified by the sheriff's office as Leonard Boltz, made an emergency landing on the lake.
The emergency landing occurred just before 9 p.m. Saturday, the Marathon County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. Tiffany and Boltz called 911 from the sinking aircraft and were rescued by emergency responders in a fire department airboat just after 9 p.m. Dispatch audio obtained by CNN recorded an official at the scene saying, "Boat heads back to landing with two victims," and confirming both were "alert and conscious."
Both men were taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released. Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye that required stitches, according to his campaign. NPR reported that the Marathon County Sheriff's Office said initial information indicates the plane experienced mechanical failure.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate the incident, and a National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson said that agency is waiting for the FAA to assess the plane's damage to determine whether it would get involved.
A no-wake buoy was placed near the plane, which remained in the lake, and boaters were asked to avoid the area until it could be removed, the sheriff's office said.
Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District and was endorsed by President Donald Trump in the gubernatorial race, is scheduled to face Democratic nominee David Crowley in the November 3 election.
How each outlet told it
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BBC — World · 3 articles
Framing: Emphasizes the dramatic rescue of a US congressman who swam to safety after a forced water landing. — Neutral and factual with elements of relief and gratitude conveyed through quotes.
Framing: Emphasizes the dramatic rescue: a congressman swimming to safety after an emergency landing on a lake. — measured and factual, with a hint of relief
Facts Included:
Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany has said he sustained minor injuries after a plane he was on landed on a lake, forcing him and the pilot to swim to safety.
Tiffany, the state's Republican nominee for governor, was travelling in a small plane on Saturday night when the aircraft encountered a mechanical issue, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Lake Wausau, the county sheriff's office said.
Tiffany said he and the pilot called 911 once they landed.
"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," Tiffany wrote on social media.
The pilot also sustained minor injuries.
Tiffany was coming home from a dinner in La Crosse County when the plane suddenly lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport, he said on Sunday.
Authorities received a 911 report of a plane crash on the lake at 20:49 local time (02:49 BST), the Marathon County Sheriff's office said in a press release.
The pair managed to get out of the plane and to shallow water where a Wausau Fire Department airboat rescued them about 15 minutes later, at 21:05 local time, according to the sheriff's office.
The office said Tiffany and the pilot were the only two people on board the Beechcraft K35 - a single-engine plane, also known as a Bonanza, that can carry up to five people.
"God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side," Tiffany said.
He received a small cut over his right eye in the incident, his campaign said.
The cause of the mechanical issue was not immediately clear, and the sheriff's office said the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident.
The plane remains in the lake as emergency crews work to remove it, the office added.
Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany sustained minor injuries after a plane he was on landed on a lake, forcing him and the pilot to swim to safety.
Tiffany is the state's Republican nominee for governor.
The plane encountered a mechanical issue, forcing an emergency landing in Lake Wausau, according to the county sheriff's office.
Tiffany wrote on social media: "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."
The pilot also sustained minor injuries.
The plane lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport, Tiffany said on Sunday.
Authorities received a 911 report of a plane crash on the lake at 20:49 local time (02:49 BST), according to the Marathon County Sheriff's office.
A Wausau Fire Department airboat rescued them about 15 minutes later, at 21:05 local time.
The pair were the only two people on board the Beechcraft K35, a single-engine plane also known as a Bonanza.
Tiffany said: "God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side."
Tiffany received a small cut over his right eye, his campaign said.
Framing: measured and factual, with a hint of relief
Facts Included:
Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany has said he sustained minor injuries after a plane he was on landed on a lake, forcing him and the pilot to swim to safety.
Tiffany, the state's Republican nominee for governor, was travelling in a small plane on Saturday night when the aircraft encountered a mechanical issue, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Lake Wausau, the county sheriff's office said.
Tiffany said he and the pilot called 911 once they landed.
"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," Tiffany wrote on social media.
The pilot also sustained minor injuries.
Tiffany was coming home from a dinner in La Crosse County when the plane suddenly lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport, he said on Sunday.
Authorities received a 911 report of a plane crash on the lake at 20:49 local time (02:49 BST), the Marathon County Sheriff's office said in a press release.
The pair managed to get out of the plane and to shallow water where a Wausau Fire Department airboat rescued them about 15 minutes later, at 21:05 local time, according to the sheriff's office.
The office said Tiffany and the pilot were the only two people on board the Beechcraft K35 - a single-engine plane, also known as a Bonanza, that can carry up to five people.
"God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side," Tiffany said.
He received a small cut over his right eye in the incident, his campaign said.
The cause of the mechanical issue was not immediately clear, and the sheriff's office said the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident.
The plane remains in the lake as emergency crews work to remove it, the office added.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the congressman's minor injuries and the emergency landing in a lake, focusing on the incident's outcome and location. — Measured and factual, with sympathetic elements in direct quotes from Tiffany and Crowley.
Facts Included:
Wisconsin congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany said he suffered minor injuries after a plane he was in made an emergency landing Saturday night on Lake Wausau in central Wisconsin.
In a post on X, Tiffany said while returning home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner, in Onalaska, Wisconsin, the plane lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau, he said, and the two called 911.
As the plane began to submerge, Tiffany and the pilot exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area where they waited for emergency responders, he said.
“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,” Tiffany said in the post.
“They got us safely off the water and transported us to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where we received excellent care.”
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office told CNN affiliate WSAW the plane will be marked with a buoy and asked people to stay away.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and State Patrol also responded to the scene, according to WSAW, and the investigation will be handed over to the Federal Aviation Administration.
In dispatch audio obtained and verified by CNN, authorities mention someone inside the plane made a 911 call.
Later, an official responding to the crash confirms two people inside the plane had been rescued.
“Boat heads back to landing with two victims,” the official at the scene is heard telling dispatchers.
An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is,” Tiffany said in his post.
CNN has reached out to Tiffany’s office, the Wisconsin DNR, State Patrol and the FAA for further information.
Tiffany, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, won his party’s nomination for governor of Wisconsin in the primary elections, bolstered by the support of President Donald Trump.
His Democratic opponent in the governor’s race, David Crowley, said in a post on X he was “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,” Crowley added.
Framing: Headline emphasizes Tom Tiffany's escape from a plane crash with minor injuries, focusing on his personal outcome. — sympathetic, with a note of relief and gratitude
Facts Included:
Tom Tiffany said he and a pilot escaped with minor injuries after their small plane lost power and made an emergency landing in a lake Saturday night.
Tiffany said the four-seat Bonanza was approaching Wausau Downtown Airport when it lost power following his appearance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
Tiffany wrote on X: "The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau."
The congressman explained that he and the pilot quickly called 911 after hitting the water, but the aircraft began filling and sinking into the lake before rescuers could reach them.
Tiffany said: "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."
Tiffany and the pilot were pulled from the lake and transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Both sustained only minor injuries, according to the congressman.
Tiffany said: "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."
Tiffany shared that his wife, Chris, was by his side at the hospital following the harrowing landing and water rescue.
Tiffany said: "God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side."
Prayers and messages of relief poured in across social media after Tiffany shared details of the close call.
Another commented: "Very glad you are okay, Congressman Tiffany."
Tiffany currently represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and is running as the Republican candidate for governor in the state's upcoming election.
Framing: The headline emphasizes Tom Tiffany's minor injuries and the emergency landing in a lake, focusing on the event and his personal condition. — factual with elements of relief and gratitude
Facts Included:
Wisconsin congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany said he suffered minor injuries after a plane he was in made an emergency landing Saturday night on Lake Wausau in central Wisconsin.
In a post on X, Tiffany said while returning home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner, in Onalaska, Wisconsin, the plane lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau, he said, and the two called 911.
As the plane began to submerge, Tiffany and the pilot exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area where they waited for emergency responders, he said.
Tiffany expressed gratitude to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, and all of the first responders in his post.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office told CNN affiliate WSAW the plane will be marked with a buoy and asked people to stay away.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and State Patrol also responded to the scene, according to WSAW, and the investigation will be handed over to the Federal Aviation Administration.
In dispatch audio obtained and verified by CNN, authorities mention someone inside the plane made a 911 call.
An official responding to the crash confirms two people inside the plane had been rescued.
Tiffany is a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus and won his party’s nomination for governor of Wisconsin, bolstered by the support of President Donald Trump.
His Democratic opponent in the governor’s race, David Crowley, said in a post on X he was '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.'
Framing: Emphasizes the congressman's escape and the emergency nature of the landing. — Measured and factual, with a neutral recounting of events and quotes.
Facts Included:
A Republican congressman had to swim to safety after a plane he was traveling in made an emergency landing in a lake late Saturday.
Rep. Tom Tiffany says he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the light aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
They both ended up in the water and swam to safety.
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, he wrote on X.
The Marathon County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that the emergency landing happened just before 9 p.m. Saturday.
Tiffany and the pilot, Leonard Boltz, got out of the plane and called 911.
They were rescued by emergency responders in a fire department airboat just after 9 p.m.
Both men were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries and released.
Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye that required stitches, his campaign said in an emailed statement.
A no-wake buoy was placed near the plane, which remained in the lake, and boaters were being asked to avoid the area until the plane can be removed, the sheriff's office said.
A Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson said the agency would investigate the incident.
A National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson said that agency is waiting for the FAA to assess the plane as to whether the damage was substantial enough for it to get involved.
Tiffany is running for governor on the Republican ticket in Wisconsin and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
David Crowley, the Democratic candidate, wished Tiffany a 'quick recovery' in a post on X and lauded the 'heroism of the pilot.'
The plane Tiffany was traveling in was a single-engine, four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft.
Framing: Emphasizes the congressman's escape and the emergency landing in a lake. — Neutral and factual.
Facts Included:
A Republican congressman said he had to swim to safety after a plane he was traveling in made an emergency landing in a lake late Saturday.
Rep. Tom Tiffany says he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the light aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
They both ended up in the water and swam to safety.
Tiffany wrote on X: '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.'
Emergency responders got both Tiffany and the pilot to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Tiffany is running for governor on the Republican ticket in Wisconsin and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
The plane Tiffany was traveling in was a single-engine, four-seat Bonanza aircraft.
Framing: The headline emphasizes that Congressman Tom Tiffany suffered minor injuries during an emergency landing in a lake.
Facts Included:
Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany sustained minor injuries after the plane he was traveling in made an emergency landing on Lake Wausau.
Tiffany is running for Governor of Wisconsin.
The plane lost power on approach to Wausau Downtown Airport, forcing an emergency landing in the water.
Tiffany and the pilot exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area where they waited for emergency responders.
Tiffany expressed gratitude to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, and all first responders who came to their aid quickly.
Tiffany said both he and the pilot sustained only minor injuries.
David Crowley, his Democratic opponent, said he was grateful that Congressman Tiffany and no one else was hurt in the horrifying incident, which could have been a tragedy if not for the heroism of the pilot.
CBS affiliate WSAW-TV initially reported a private plane going down in Lake Wausau at 9 p.m. local time, quoting the Marathon County Sheriff's Office.
The investigation of the incident was handed over to the Federal Aviation Authority.
Tiffany said: '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.'
Framing: emphasizes the GOP congressman's swim to safety after an emergency landing in a lake — neutral and factual
Facts Included:
Rep. Tom Tiffany says he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the light aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
They both ended up in the water and swam to safety.
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, he wrote on X.
Emergency responders got both Tiffany and the pilot to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Tiffany is running for governor on the Republican ticket in Wisconsin and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
David Crowley, the Democratic candidate for governor wrote on X that he is grateful that no one was hurt and lauded the heroism of the pilot.
The plane Tiffany was traveling in was a single-engine, four-seat Bonanza aircraft.
Framing: Emphasizes the congressman's swim to safety after the plane landed on a lake, focusing on his personal escape. — Measured and factual, with a supportive note for the congressman and pilot.
Facts Included:
Tom Tiffany said he had to swim to safety after a plane he was traveling in made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau late Saturday.
Tiffany was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the light aircraft lost power approaching Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau, and both ended up in the water and swam to safety.
Tiffany wrote on X: '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.'
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office said the emergency landing happened just before 9 p.m. Saturday.
Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz got out of the plane and called 911, and were rescued by emergency responders in a fire department airboat just after 9 p.m.
Both men were taken to a nearby hospital, treated for minor injuries and released.
Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye that required stitches, his campaign said.
A no-wake buoy was placed near the plane, which remained in the lake, and boaters were asked to avoid the area until the plane could be removed.
A Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson said the agency would investigate the incident.
A National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson said that agency is waiting for the FAA to assess the plane for damage.
Tiffany is running for governor on the Republican ticket in Wisconsin and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Democratic candidate David Crowley wished Tiffany a 'quick recovery' and lauded the 'heroism of the pilot.'
The plane was a single-engine, four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the dramatic element of the congressman having to swim to safety after an emergency landing, focusing on the personal ordeal rather than political implications. — Measured but with elements of relief and gratitude, conveyed through direct quotes from Tiffany and Crowley.
Facts Included:
Representative Tom Tiffany is the Republican nominee for Wisconsin governor.
Tiffany and his pilot swam to safety after a plane in which they were traveling lost power and made an emergency water landing on a lake in central Wisconsin.
The incident occurred while returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
The plane lost power as it approached the Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau.
Tiffany posted about the incident on X in the early hours of Sunday.
After landing, they called 911.
As the plane began to submerge, they exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area.
They waited until emergency responders reached them by boat.
They were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Both Tiffany and the pilot sustained only minor injuries.
Tiffany was endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Tiffany represents Wisconsin's seventh Congressional District and won the Republican nomination in August.
Crowley said he was grateful that Congressman Tiffany and no one else was hurt, and praised the pilot's heroism.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the dramatic event of the governor candidate swimming from a sinking plane after an emergency lake landing. — Sympathetic and reassuring, focusing on gratitude and relief.
Facts Included:
Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate and S. Rep. Tom Tiffany said he and a pilot escaped with minor injuries after their small plane lost power and made an emergency landing in a lake Saturday night.
The four-seat Bonanza was approaching Wausau Downtown Airport when it lost power following Tiffany's appearance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
Tiffany wrote on X: 'The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau.'
Tiffany explained that he and the pilot quickly called 911 after hitting the water, but the aircraft began filling and sinking into the lake before rescuers could reach them.
Tiffany said: '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.'
Tiffany and the pilot were pulled from the lake and transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Both sustained only minor injuries, according to the congressman.
Tiffany said: '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.'
Tiffany shared that his wife, Chris, was by his side at the hospital.
Tiffany said: 'God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side.'
Prayers and messages of relief poured in across social media after Tiffany shared details of the close call.
Another commented: 'Very glad you are okay, Congressman Tiffany.'
Tiffany currently represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and is running as the Republican candidate for governor in the state's upcoming election.
Framing: Sympathetic and reassuring, focusing on gratitude and relief.
Facts Included:
Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate and S. Rep. Tom Tiffany said he and a pilot escaped with minor injuries after their small plane lost power and made an emergency landing in a lake Saturday night.
The four-seat Bonanza was approaching Wausau Downtown Airport when it lost power following Tiffany's appearance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
Tiffany wrote on X: 'The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau.'
Tiffany explained that he and the pilot quickly called 911 after hitting the water, but the aircraft began filling and sinking into the lake before rescuers could reach them.
Tiffany said: '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.'
Tiffany and the pilot were pulled from the lake and transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Both sustained only minor injuries, according to the congressman.
Tiffany said: '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.'
Tiffany shared that his wife, Chris, was by his side at the hospital.
Tiffany said: 'God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side.'
Prayers and messages of relief poured in across social media after Tiffany shared details of the close call.
Another commented: 'Very glad you are okay, Congressman Tiffany.'
Tiffany currently represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and is running as the Republican candidate for governor in the state's upcoming election.
Framing: Highlights the emergency lake landing and its aftermath following a campaign event. — Neutral and factual with a sympathetic undertone toward Tiffany.
Facts Included:
Tom Tiffany's plane lost power Saturday night, forcing an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
Tiffany swam to a shallow area to wait for help.
Tiffany and the pilot sustained minor injuries.
Tiffany reported the incident in a news release early Sunday.
The plane was a four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza flying from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner to the Wausau area.
Tiffany said they called 911 after landing.
They exited as the plane began to submerge and waited until emergency responders reached them by boat.
Tiffany thanked the pilot, Wausau Fire Department, and other first responders.
They were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
David Crowley wished Tiffany a quick recovery in a post on X.
Framing: Headline emphasizes Tiffany's well-being and the 'horrifying' nature of the incident, and notes the release of the 911 call
Facts Included:
Tiffany reported on X that he was heading home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska, Wisconsin
The aircraft experienced a loss of power as it neared Wausau Downtown Airport
David Crowley, Tiffany's Democratic rival in the gubernatorial election, stated on X he was '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.'
Crowley added: 'I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones.'
Framing: factual with elements of relief and gratitude
Facts Included:
Wisconsin congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany said he suffered minor injuries after a plane he was in made an emergency landing Saturday night on Lake Wausau in central Wisconsin.
In a post on X, Tiffany said while returning home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner, in Onalaska, Wisconsin, the plane lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau, he said, and the two called 911.
As the plane began to submerge, Tiffany and the pilot exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area where they waited for emergency responders, he said.
Tiffany expressed gratitude to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, and all of the first responders in his post.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office told CNN affiliate WSAW the plane will be marked with a buoy and asked people to stay away.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and State Patrol also responded to the scene, according to WSAW, and the investigation will be handed over to the Federal Aviation Administration.
In dispatch audio obtained and verified by CNN, authorities mention someone inside the plane made a 911 call.
An official responding to the crash confirms two people inside the plane had been rescued.
Tiffany is a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus and won his party’s nomination for governor of Wisconsin, bolstered by the support of President Donald Trump.
His Democratic opponent in the governor’s race, David Crowley, said in a post on X he was '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.'
Republican congressman Tom Tiffany swam to safety after a plane made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau late Saturday.
The light aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport, returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
The pilot made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau; both ended up in the water and swam to safety.
Tiffany wrote on X: '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.'
The Marathon County Sheriff's Office said the emergency landing happened just before 9 p.m. Saturday.
Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz got out of the plane and called 911; they were rescued by emergency responders in a fire department airboat just after 9 p.m.
Both men were taken to a nearby hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released.
Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye requiring stitches, according to his campaign.
A no-wake buoy was placed near the plane, which remained in the lake, and boaters were asked to avoid the area until removal.
An FAA spokesperson said the agency would investigate the incident.
An NTSB spokesperson said the agency is waiting for the FAA to assess the plane's damage to determine if it would get involved.
Tiffany is running for governor on the Republican ticket and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Democratic candidate David Crowley wished Tiffany a 'quick recovery' and lauded the 'heroism of the pilot.'
The plane was a single-engine, four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza.
Framing: The headline emphasizes that Tiffany sustained minor injuries and that the plane made an emergency landing on a lake. — factual and slightly sympathetic
Facts Included:
Tom Tiffany, the Republican nominee for Wisconsin governor, says he sustained minor injuries late Saturday when a plane he was traveling in was forced to make an emergency water landing.
Tiffany said in a statement on X that he and the pilot swam to safety after the light aircraft, which had lost power while approaching Wisconsin’s Wausau Downtown Airport, landed in Lake Wausau and began to submerge.
Tiffany said: "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."
Tiffany said: "Thankfully, both the pilot and I sustained only minor injuries."
Rescue teams were called to reports of a downed plane with two people in the water, emergency services’ radio communications obtained by NBC News indicate.
Two survivors pulled out of the water were "alert and conscious," the audio suggests.
Tiffany represents Wisconsin’s seventh congressional district and is endorsed by President Donald Trump in the November 3 gubernatorial election.
David Crowley said in a post 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."
Framing: Emphasizes Tom Tiffany's survival and the emergency nature of the plane landing. — Measured and sympathetic, reflecting factual reporting with a positive outcome and expressions of gratitude.
Facts Included:
Republican Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate and S. Representative Tom Tiffany said he and a pilot escaped with minor injuries after their small plane lost power and made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night.
Tiffany said he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot then landed the plane on the water, according to a statement Tiffany posted on X.
"After landing, we called 911," Tiffany said.
"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."
A report attributed to the Marathon County Sheriff's Office said a private aircraft went into Lake Wausau at about 9 p.m. Saturday.
Local reports said two people sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital.
Tiffany said the Wausau Fire Department and other first responders removed the pair from the water and took them to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
"Thankfully, both the pilot and I sustained only minor injuries," he said.
Tiffany also thanked the pilot and emergency crews, adding: "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."
A Republican congressman and candidate for governor said he had to swim to safety after a plane he was traveling in made an emergency landing in a lake late Saturday.
Rep. Tom Tiffany says he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the light aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
They both ended up in the water and swam to safety.
“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,” he wrote on X.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that the emergency landing happened just before 9 p.m. Saturday.
Tiffany and the pilot, Leonard Boltz, got out of the plane and called 911.
They were rescued by emergency responders in a fire department airboat just after 9 p.m.
Both men were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries and released.
Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye that required stitches, his campaign said in an emailed statement.
A no-wake buoy was placed near the plane and boaters are being asked to avoid the area until the plane can be removed, the sheriff’s office said.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and will investigate.
Tiffany is running for governor on the Republican ticket in Wisconsin and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
David Crowley, the Democratic candidate wished Tiffany a “quick recovery” in a post on X and lauded the “heroism of the pilot.”
The plane Tiffany was traveling in was a single-engine, four-seat Bonanza aircraft.
Framing: Emphasizes the injury and the incident location involving a Republican representative's plane landing in a lake. — Measured and factual, with a sympathetic note toward Tiffany's experience.
Facts Included:
Tom Tiffany’s plane went down in a freak incident Saturday night.
The Wisconsin congressman, who is also running for governor, was headed for Wausau Downtown Airport following a fundraising dinner when the plane suddenly lost power.
Tiffany wrote in a late-night post on X: '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.'
Tiffany, 68, sustained minor injuries, as did the private plane’s pilot.
Tiffany wrote: '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.'
The plane went down around 9 pm, according to local news station WSAW.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Department said the plane had been marked with a buoy and urged people to avoid the area.
Tiffany said the incident "reminds you just how precious life is."
Tiffany said: 'God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side.'
His opponent for governor, David Crowley, 40, responded with a 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.'
Crowley said he wished the "Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones."
Framing: Emphasizes the escape and swim to safety after an emergency lake landing.
Facts Included:
Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate and US Congressman Tom Tiffany escaped with minor injuries after the small plane he was travelling in lost power and made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night.
Tiffany said he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the four-seat aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot then made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau.
After the plane hit the water, Tiffany and the pilot called 911.
However, the aircraft began filling with water and submerging before rescuers could reach them.
Tiffany said he and the pilot exited the plane and swam to a shallow area, where they waited for emergency responders to arrive by boat.
The two were rescued and taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Tiffany said both he and the pilot suffered only minor injuries.
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,
According to CNN, dispatch audio showed authorities confirming that two people had been rescued from the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the incident was under investigation.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and State Patrol also responded to the scene, according to CNN affiliate WSAW.
Tiffany later said his wife, Chris, was with him at the hospital.
Tiffany represents Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District and is the Republican candidate for governor in the upcoming election.
He won the Republican nomination with the backing of President Donald Trump.
His Democratic opponent, David Crowley, said he was grateful to God that Tiffany and the pilot were not seriously hurt, praising the pilot's actions during the emergency.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the hospitalization and emergency landing, focusing on the event itself. — Measured and factual, with a sympathetic element toward the individuals involved.
Facts Included:
Congressman Tom Tiffany was hospitalized after emergency landing in Lake Wausau
Tiffany is a Republican gubernatorial candidate
The plane reportedly lost power while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport
The pilot made an emergency water landing
The aircraft began taking on water
Tiffany and pilot called 911 and swam toward shallow water
Both men were rescued and taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Tiffany said both suffered only minor injuries
Tiffany expressed gratitude to the pilot and first responders
Tiffany represents Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District
Framing: Highlights Tiffany's escape to safety after the plane landed in the lake. — factual and neutral
Facts Included:
Republican congressman Tom Tiffany swam to safety after a plane made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau late Saturday.
The light aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport, returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
The pilot made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau; both ended up in the water and swam to safety.
Tiffany wrote on X: '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.'
The Marathon County Sheriff's Office said the emergency landing happened just before 9 p.m. Saturday.
Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz got out of the plane and called 911; they were rescued by emergency responders in a fire department airboat just after 9 p.m.
Both men were taken to a nearby hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released.
Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye requiring stitches, according to his campaign.
A no-wake buoy was placed near the plane, which remained in the lake, and boaters were asked to avoid the area until removal.
An FAA spokesperson said the agency would investigate the incident.
An NTSB spokesperson said the agency is waiting for the FAA to assess the plane's damage to determine if it would get involved.
Tiffany is running for governor on the Republican ticket and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Democratic candidate David Crowley wished Tiffany a 'quick recovery' and lauded the 'heroism of the pilot.'
The plane was a single-engine, four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza.
Republican congressman Tom Tiffany swam to safety after a plane made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau late Saturday.
The light aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport, returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
The pilot made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau; both ended up in the water and swam to safety.
Tiffany wrote on X: '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.'
The Marathon County Sheriff's Office said the emergency landing happened just before 9 p.m. Saturday.
Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz got out of the plane and called 911; they were rescued by emergency responders in a fire department airboat just after 9 p.m.
Both men were taken to a nearby hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released.
Tiffany suffered a cut above his right eye requiring stitches, according to his campaign.
A no-wake buoy was placed near the plane, which remained in the lake, and boaters were asked to avoid the area until removal.
An FAA spokesperson said the agency would investigate the incident.
An NTSB spokesperson said the agency is waiting for the FAA to assess the plane's damage to determine if it would get involved.
Tiffany is running for governor on the Republican ticket and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Democratic candidate David Crowley wished Tiffany a 'quick recovery' and lauded the 'heroism of the pilot.'
The plane was a single-engine, four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the dramatic escape of a Wisconsin congressman who swam to safety after a plane emergency landing in a lake. — objective and matter-of-fact
Facts Included:
A Republican congressman said he had to swim to safety after a plane he was traveling in made an emergency landing in a lake late.
Representative Tom Tiffany says he was returning from the La Crosse county Lincoln Day Dinner when the light aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau downtown airport.
The pilot made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
They both ended up in the water and swam to safety.
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.
Emergency responders got both Tiffany and the pilot to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Tiffany is running for governor on the Republican ticket in Wisconsin and has been endorsed by Donald Trump.
The plane Tiffany was traveling in was a single-engine, four-seat Bonanza aircraft.
Framing: Emphasizes the fact that the congressman sustained minor injuries after an emergency landing. — factual and neutral
Facts Included:
US Representative Tom Tiffany and his pilot made an emergency landing on a lake in Wisconsin after their plane lost power, sustaining only minor injuries.
Tiffany is the Republican nominee for Wisconsin governor.
The plane lost power as they approached the Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau.
They called 911 after landing.
As the plane began to submerge, they exited and swam to a shallow area.
They were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Tiffany was endorsed by US President Donald Trump.
Tiffany represents Wisconsin's seventh Congressional District and won the Republican nomination in August.
Framing: Survival and safety: the congressman's escape from an emergency landing and his swim to safety
Facts Included:
Republican congressman Tom Tiffany survived an emergency plane landing and swam to safety.
The plane was a small single-engine aircraft that lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport.
The pilot was Leonard Boltz, who made an emergency landing on Lake Wausau.
Tiffany wrote on X: '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.'
Tiffany was returning home from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska.
Initial information indicates the plane experienced mechanical failure.
Tiffany received stitches above his right eye and was released from the hospital.
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Transparency & Audit Trail
12 outlets · 27 publishers · 30 articles consulted: BBC — World, CNN — World, Fox News — World, abc17news.com, ABC7 Los Angeles, boston.com, CBS News, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, CP24, FOX 4 News, FOX 9, Green Bay Press-Gazette, Hindustan Times, KRDO, Live 5 News WCSC, NBC News, Newsweek, New York Daily News, Mechanicsburg Patriot News, The Daily Beast, The Times of India, TMZ, WEAU, WIS10, The Guardian — World, Jerusalem Post, NPR News13 claims extractedVersion 18Written 2026-09-13