A Tesla Model 3 driver in Texas pressed the accelerator to 100% before crashing into a house and killing a 76-year-old woman, according to a U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. The June 19 collision occurred after the driver, Michael Butler, failed to maintain his lane, left the roadway, and struck the residence at high speed.
NTSB findings on Tesla autopilot override
Electronic data from the vehicle showed Butler manually overrode Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised mode by fully depressing the accelerator pedal, the NTSB report stated. The car was traveling over 70 mph at impact, killing Martha Avila inside the home and leaving Butler with minor injuries.
Investigators noted clear weather, dry roads, and daylight conditions at the time. The NTSB continues to examine the crash to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations.
Tesla and driver face legal action
Butler, charged with manslaughter, initially claimed the vehicle was on autopilot. However, Tesla’s Ashok Elluswamy confirmed on X that the driver had overridden the system, reaching 73 mph in a residential area with the pedal fully pressed even after impact.
Avila’s family has filed a lawsuit in Harris County District Court against Tesla and Butler, alleging a design defect and failure to warn. The suit cites a 2023 Washington Post analysis linking at least 17 fatal incidents to Tesla’s Autopilot and seeks over $1 million in damages.
Regulatory scrutiny and next steps
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a special crash investigation. The incident has drawn national attention amid Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s push to expand self-driving capabilities, including plans for steering-wheel-free Cybercabs.
Global News has contacted Tesla for comment but has not received a response. The NTSB’s final report and potential safety recommendations are pending.
