Tesla driver who blamed crash on autopilot pressed accelerator 100%, NTSB finds
Summary
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that a Tesla driver in Texas pressed the accelerator pedal fully while Full Self Driving (FSD) was active, leading to a fatal crash. The driver, Michael Butler, had claimed the autopilot was on, but data showed he manually overrode the system just before the accident.Key Facts
- The crash occurred in Texas and killed a 76-year-old woman named Martha Avila.
- Michael Butler, 44, was driving a Tesla with FSD engaged at the time of the crash.
- NTSB data showed Butler pressed the accelerator to 100% just before the crash.
- Butler said he “passed out” and did not remember his actions leading to the crash.
- Tesla’s Vice President of AI software confirmed the driver overrode the autopilot.
- Butler was working as a DoorDash delivery driver when the crash happened.
- The crash involved the Tesla going straight at high speed, hitting a family home.
- Butler faces manslaughter charges and a lawsuit alleging negligence by him and Tesla.
- Investigations continue into possible mechanical faults, including a Tesla defect called “Sudden Unintended Acceleration.”
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also opened a special inquiry into the crash.
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