NTSB: Tesla driver overrode FSD by pressing accelerator to 100%, investigators confirm
US investigators confirmed that the driver in a fatal Texas crash manually overrode Tesla's Full Self-Driving system by applying 100% throttle. The vehicle reached speeds over 70 mph.
The driver involved in a fatal Texas crash where a woman was killed after the car plowed into her home manually overrode the vehicle's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology by pressing the accelerator pedal to 100 percent, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed in a preliminary report. Investigators examined the car's electronic data and found the Tesla Model 3 reached speeds greater than 70 mph during the incident.
The crash occurred in June when Michael Butler, 44, drove his vehicle into a home in Katy, Texas. The impact killed 76-year-old resident Martha Avila. According to the NTSB report, the home is located on a two-lane road with a 30 mph speed limit.
Analysis of the vehicle's data indicated that the driver engaged the accelerator to its maximum capacity, leading to a significant increase in speed. This occurred despite the low posted speed limit for the area.
The investigation is ongoing to determine all contributing factors to the accident. The incident highlights the importance of driver awareness and control when utilizing advanced driver-assistance systems like FSD.