On Sept. 3, a tragic accident occurred just outside Tampa Executive Airport when an experimental Lancair Evolution failed to gain altitude and slammed into a wooded area of a state water‑management facility. The crash claimed the lives of Dr. David Siambanes, 59, a renowned pediatric spine surgeon, and his wife, Dawn Stone, 53, an experienced advance practice registered nurse.
What the NTSB found
Federal investigators released a preliminary report Thursday detailing the flight’s final moments. Air‑traffic control logs show Siambanes acknowledged a clearance to climb to 2,000 feet and to expect a climb to 17,000 feet. Ten minutes after departure, the aircraft lifted off, rolled left halfway down the 5,000‑foot runway at about 80 knots, then made a steep left bank and descended nose‑down into terrain.
Flight data indicate the plane was airborne for roughly one minute before it impacted the ground a half‑mile from the runway. The wreckage was found inverted, leaving a 70‑foot debris path through broken tree branches. A post‑crash fire consumed most of the composite airframe, though the engine remained attached to the firewall. Officials have classified the takeoff crash as accidental, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
Community mourns two medical leaders
Dr. Siambanes was a pediatric spine surgeon at BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, known for tackling complex cases of cerebral palsy and severe scoliosis. Colleagues often called him “Superman” for his willingness to take on the most challenging surgeries. Dawn Stone served as an advance practice registered nurse for both BayCare and AdventHealth, earning respect for her compassionate bedside manner.
Former colleague James Judge said, “He took on some of the most aggressive and complicated cases out there, and he transformed children’s lives.” Parents and former patients echoed the sentiment, describing Siambanes as a “miracle worker” and noting his mentorship inspired many to pursue medical careers.
BayCare released a statement saying the couple “dedicated their careers to caring and improving the lives of patients and families throughout West Central Florida,” while AdventHealth expressed that staff are “heartbroken by the passing of Dawn Stone.”
Aircraft background
The Lancair Evolution was assembled from a kit in 2020 and powered by a 550‑horsepower turboprop engine. The airframe and engine had logged 581 hours since new, with the most recent condition inspection completed on Aug. 26. Siambanes held a commercial pilot certificate and reported 1,203 total flight hours when he began transition training for the aircraft in August 2025.
Investigation continues
The National Transportation Safety Board has retained the wreckage for further examination of internal components. Federal authorities have not yet determined a definitive cause for the crash.
Local residents and the medical community are mourning the loss of two dedicated professionals whose work touched countless families across Tampa and the surrounding region. Memorial services are being planned by both BayCare and AdventHealth to honor their contributions.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
