Tom Tiffany Survives Lake Landing

Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany swam to safety after his plane ditched in a lake.

•Balanced

Wisconsin’s GOP gubernatorial candidate credits pilot’s warning with saving his life before plane crash

Wisconsin congressman swims to safety after plane makes emergency landing in a lake

Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany suffers minor injuries after emergency landing in a lake

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Coverage mix

What happened

The facts the coverage agrees on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum. Where the sides dispute something, it's attributed.

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Wisconsin Republican running for governor, was aboard a Beechcraft K35 single-engine plane that made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau just before 9 p.m. Saturday. Tiffany said the aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport after the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner. Only Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz were aboard. Both escaped as the plane began to submerge, called 911, swam more than 100 feet to shallow water, and were treated for minor injuries at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Both sides

How left-leaning and right-leaning outlets told this story, in their own coverage. Outlet names link to the article we drew from.

From the left

Left-leaning reports centered on the escape and Tiffany’s campaign context. The Guardian said Tiffany had to swim to safety after the aircraft lost power near Wausau Downtown Airport and landed in Lake Wausau. It also noted he is running for governor as a Republican with Donald Trump’s endorsement. The Daily Beast linked the trip to a fundraising dinner. PBS NewsHour said Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz stayed on top of the plane until it began sinking.

From the right

Right-leaning coverage stressed the danger, quick rescue, and coming investigation. Fox News and the New York Post said the powerless plane went into Lake Wausau. Fox News said a search followed, and that Tiffany and the pilot had only minor injuries. RedState highlighted the pilot’s warning to tighten his seatbelt and the boat rescue. The Washington Times said federal aviation authorities were notified and will investigate; The Post Millennial reported Tiffany received 12 stitches above his right eye.

Coverage•31 articles — 8 left, 6 center, 17 right