U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) and a pilot were treated for minor injuries after their aircraft made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The congressman was traveling back from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska when the single-engine aircraft lost power during its approach to the Wausau Downtown Airport.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m. local time, according to reports from the Marathon County Sheriff's Office. Tiffany stated that the pilot performed a water landing, after which both occupants exited the four-seat Bonanza aircraft as it began to submerge. The two men swam to a shallow area to await rescue.
First responders from the Wausau Fire Department reached the scene by boat and transported Tiffany and the pilot to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and is a candidate for governor, confirmed on social media that he and the pilot sustained minor injuries. His Democratic opponent in the gubernatorial race, David Crowley, issued a statement expressing gratitude that no one was seriously harmed.
The emergency landing affected U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and the pilot. The 7th District covers much of northern and central Wisconsin. The incident occurred while Tiffany, who has been endorsed by Donald Trump, is running for governor.
The four-seat Bonanza aircraft remained in Lake Wausau, and the Marathon County Sheriff's Office instructed the public to stay away from the site, which will be marked with a buoy. Plans for the removal of the aircraft were not immediately available.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident. The Marathon County Sheriff's Office confirmed they handed the investigation over to the FAA. No return to the campaign trail has been announced.