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6 fatalities

Fatal Stall and Spin at St Petersburg-Clearwater Airport (N625GP)

Saint Petersburg-Clearwater, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 12, 1980, a Beechcraft 65 Queen Air (registration N625GP) operated by John Matthews was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Petersburg-Clearwater, United States of America during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. His lack of familiarity with aircraft was considered as a contributing factor. He totalized zero hours on type. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A six-occupant aircraft crashed after stalling and spinning during the traffic pattern at St Petersburg-Clearwater Airport. The pilot's lack of type experience contributed to the fatal accident.

Accident Overview and Outcome During an approach to St Petersburg-Clearwater Airport, an aircraft operating within the traffic pattern lost control. The airplane subsequently stalled, entered a spin, and crashed. All six occupants on board were killed in the incident. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or exact location beyond the airport name. ## Contributing Factors and Probable Cause The official investigation identified the probable cause as a stall resulting from the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft, as he had zero hours on type.

Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Sept 1980 Beechcraft 65 Queen Air accident near Saint Petersburg-Clearwater, United States of America?

A six-occupant aircraft crashed after stalling and spinning during the traffic pattern at St Petersburg-Clearwater Airport. The pilot's lack of type experience contributed to the fatal accident.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Sept 1980 Beechcraft 65 Queen Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Sept 1980 involved a Beechcraft 65 Queen Air, registration N625GP, operated by John Matthews, at Saint Petersburg-Clearwater, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Stall after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. His lack of familiarity with aircraft was considered as a contributing factor. He totalized zero hours on type.

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