Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Memory Loss After Flying Clear of Clouds, Found Next to Damaged Engine (N9462S)

Superior, AZ, US

On March 28, 1991, a Beech V-35-A (registration N9462S) operated by Aaron C. Bornstein was involved in an aviation accident near Superior, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: VISUAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot reported flying clear of clouds and terrain, then losing memory and waking on the ground next to the engine and propeller. A 100-yard swath of vegetation was mowed up a hill to where the aircraft stopped. Mountain obscurement was forecasted.

Pilot Statement

The certified commercial pilot and owner of the aircraft stated that he was flying beneath and clear of the clouds with only light chop and well clear of the terrain. His next recollection was lying on the ground next to what remained of the engine and propeller. He said he did not remember heat from the airplane, though the fuselage had burned.

Scene Description

According to the pilot, there was a swath of vegetation approximately 100 yards long by the aircraft wing span wide mowed up the hill to where the aircraft stopped. The engine and propeller were separated from the rest of the airplane.

Weather Conditions

Mountain obscurement was forecast over a wide area around the accident site.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16643. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.