US congressman swims to safety after his plane is forced to land on a lake

September 13, 2026

Wisconsin Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany and a pilot were forced to make an emergency water landing on Lake Wausau after their small aircraft experienced mechanical failure while approaching the local airport Saturday evening. Both men evacuated the sinking single-engine Beechcraft aircraft and swam to shallow waters, where they waited approximately fifteen minutes before rescue crews retrieved them by airboat. Tiffany, currently his state's Republican gubernatorial candidate, suffered a minor cut above his eye while the pilot also sustained minor injuries.

Who is affected

Congressman Tom Tiffany (Wisconsin Republican and gubernatorial nominee)
The pilot of the aircraft
Tiffany's wife, Chris
Marathon County Sheriff's office personnel
Wausau Fire Department rescue team members
Federal Aviation Administration investigators
National Transportation Safety Board investigators

What action is being taken

Emergency crews are working to remove the plane from the lake
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident

Why it matters

This incident matters because it involved a sitting U.S. Congressman and current gubernatorial candidate who could have been killed in the crash, potentially affecting Wisconsin's political landscape. The emergency water landing and successful rescue demonstrates the importance of emergency response capabilities and aviation safety protocols. Additionally, the investigation into the mechanical failure of the aircraft could reveal important safety information relevant to other pilots operating similar single-engine planes.

What's next

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident
Emergency crews will complete removal of the plane from the lake

Read full article from source: BBC