I'm a bit late to this thread, but the only fatal accident at my home airport (Palo Alto, CA) was a low-time pilot who got into a power-on stall/spin on climbout. So yes, it can happen.
I frightened the bejasus out of myself in a power-on stall while I was training, solo - my first ever rapid wing drop. I can't honestly say I like them, but they can happen. It's quite likely that the Cirrus that chute-landed near Fresno a few months back spun out of a power-on stall, although the Final Report isn't out yet. (He was very close to the ceiling for the type).
To open another can of worms... really every pilot should do spin and advanced stall training once they've got a few hours under their belt. (I agree with not having it be part of primary training but should be done once you feel completely comfortable with normal flying). That way nothing really frightens you. Of course it IS dangerous... to the wallet. Next thing you're flying acro for fun and having a heck of a time, but it isn't cheap :-(
While I'm at it, what exactly is an "incipient stall"? The warning horn? Buffet (doesn't happen much in Cessnas anyway)? First sign of the nose pitching down? "Recovering" from the warning horn isn't recovering at all. Really you should be able to fly the plane in a continuous stall, with the stick/yoke held back, keeping the wings level with rudder. (Some people call this a falling leaf, but there again others use it to mean something else).
n5296s (just back from trying, and almost succeeding, to land the Pitts!!)