GOP Lawmaker Injured, Plane Crashes Into Wisconsin Lake

Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany sustained minor injuries after the private aircraft he was traveling in lost power and executed an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night. Heading toward Wausau Downtown Airport following a fundraising dinner, the flight encountered sudden mechanical failure around 9 p.m. The pilot successfully guided the plane down into the lake before it began to submerge.

Following the impact, Tiffany and the pilot exited the sinking aircraft and swam to a shallow area where they awaited rescue boats. The Wausau Fire Department and Marathon County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene, transporting both survivors to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. The Federal Aviation Administration announced that it will conduct a formal investigation into the engine failure.

"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 in a post on X.

Political figures from across the aisle offered swift support following the harrowing ordeal, including Democratic gubernatorial opponent David Crowley. Crowley released a statement praising the pilot's quick thinking and wishing the congressman a full and speedy recovery.

The Marathon County Sheriff's Department marked the sunken wreckage with a buoy and advised local residents to avoid the immediate area while state patrol and environmental officials assist with the ongoing inquiry.