NTSB: Tesla Driver Overrode Self-Driving System in Fatal Texas Crash

Federal investigators confirmed that the driver of a Tesla Model 3 manually overrode the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system by pressing the accelerator pedal to 100% moments before a fatal crash into a Texas home, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila. The car reached speeds over 70 mph on a 30 mph residential street. Source: The Next Web, NTSB report

The Crash and Driver

On June 19, 2026, Michael Butler's Tesla jumped a curb and tore through a brick wall in Katy, Texas. Butler told police he had 'passed out' while using FSD, but data showed the accelerator was floored and the brake never applied. Source: Engadget Court documents revealed Butler had Googled phrases like 'Tesla FSD not aggressive enough' and 'Tesla FSD too timid,' raising questions about his behavior before the crash. Source: The Verge No drugs or alcohol were found in his system.

Divergent Narratives

While the NTSB and Tesla argue the driver caused the crash, some outlets note that FSD remained engaged even after the override. Gizmodo questioned whether 'FSD may not be the 'driver' in one important sense, but the car was still in FSD mode.' Source: Gizmodo The victim's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both Butler and Tesla, and Butler faces manslaughter charges.

Broader Scrutiny

The crash occurs amid heightened NHTSA investigations into FSD, which has been linked to over a dozen crashes with fatalities. Source: AP News Tesla's marketing of 'Full Self-Driving' remains controversial, with the company facing a class-action lawsuit over misleading claims.