The plane carrying Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany was forced to make an emergency landing in the water near Wausau Saturday night after the plane lost power, according to a statement from Tiffany’s campaign. “After landing, we called 911,” Tiffany said in a statement. “When the plane began to submerge, we exited the plane and swam to a shallow area, where we waited until emergency services reached us by boat.” Tiffany was returning home from the Lincoln Day dinner in La Crosse County. Tiffany said the plane, described as a four-seat Bonanza, lost power while approaching the downtown Wausau airport. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office said the initial 911 call came at 8:49 p.m. Saturday. The sheriff’s office identified the pilot as Leonard Boltz, 73, of Pearson. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. “Thank you to everyone in Wisconsin and across the country who reached out with prayers and kind words,” Tiffany said Sunday morning. “I am especially grateful to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, law enforcement, first responders and the team at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their incredible care and quick response.” In a new statement this morning, Tiffany’s campaign said he received stitches over his right eye at Aspirus Wausau Hospital overnight and was released. The pilot was also released. Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley said in response: “I am grateful to God that Congresswoman Tiffany and no one else was injured in this horrific incident, which could have been a tragedy if not for the heroism of the pilot. I wish them and the congressman a speedy recovery and may they find comfort with their loved ones.” Read Tom Tiffany’s full statement below. Tom Tiffany released the following statement after the plane taking him home from tonight’s Lincoln Day Dinner in La Crosse County made an emergency water landing at Lake Wausau: “While returning home from Lincoln Day Dinner in La Crosse County this evening, the plane I was traveling in lost power as we approached the Wausau Downtown Airport. The pilot made an emergency water landing at Lake Wausau.” After landing, we called 911. When the plane began to dive, we exited the plane and swam to a shallow area, where we waited until emergency services 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. We were safely pulled out of the water and transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where we received excellent care. Fortunately, both the pilot and I only suffered minor injuries.” 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 how precious life is.”
