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 reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data 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.