The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Wednesday that the driver of a Tesla involved in a fatal crash in Katy, Texas, overrode the company’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system by pressing the accelerator pedal to 100% before the collision.
According to a preliminary NTSB report, data recovered from the vehicle showed it was traveling at more than 70 mph when it left the roadway and crashed into a house in June. The collision killed 76-year-old Martha Avila, who was inside the home.
The alleged driver, 44-year-old Michael Butler, has been charged with manslaughter. Avila’s family has also filed a lawsuit against Butler and Tesla, alleging negligence.
Preliminary findings
The NTSB said Butler was using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) while driving on Rose Hollow Lane, a residential two-lane road with a 30 mph speed limit, before the crash.
Security camera footage reviewed by investigators showed the Tesla accelerating through an intersection, leaving the road and striking the house. The agency said weather conditions were clear, the roadway was dry and the crash occurred during daylight.
The findings form part of the NTSB’s ongoing investigation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is also investigating the incident.
Tesla’s response
The preliminary data aligns with Tesla’s account of the crash released shortly after the incident, when the company argued that its driver-assistance software was not responsible.
Responding on X after the crash, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote: “[T]his [allegation] makes no sense. FSD drives slowly through neighborhood streets and this was a high speed crash!”
Tesla requires drivers using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to remain attentive and prepared to take control of the vehicle at any time.
According to the source, Butler allegedly told authorities he had “passed out” while using Tesla’s driver-assistance system. Local ABC affiliate KTRK-TV also reported that police found Google searches including “Tesla FSD not aggressive enough 2026,” “Tesla not aggressive enough,” and “Tesla FSD too timid.”
TL;DR:
The NTSB said a Tesla driver pressed the accelerator to 100%, overriding Full Self-Driving before a fatal June crash in Katy, Texas. The driver faces a manslaughter charge, while federal investigations remain underway.
Key points:
NHTSA is conducting a separate investigation into the crash.
NTSB said the driver overrode Tesla’s Full Self-Driving by fully pressing the accelerator.
Vehicle data showed the Tesla was traveling at more than 70 mph before hitting a house.
The crash killed 76-year-old Martha Avila in Katy, Texas.
Driver Michael Butler has been charged with manslaughter and faces a negligence lawsuit alongside Tesla.
This story was drafted with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and human insight.Disclaimer : Opinions and investment insights shared by experts are personal and independent. Management assume no responsibility for investment decisions made based on such views. Investors should seek guidance from qualified financial professionals prior to acting.
