Tesla driver in fatal Texas crash pressed accelerator 100%, NTSB confirms

In a recent update, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that the driver involved in a tragic Tesla crash in June pressed the accelerator to its maximum, overriding the vehicle's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system. The data retrieved from the vehicle indicated it was traveling at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour when it collided with a house in Katy, Texas, resulting in the death of 76-year-old Martha Avila. The victim's family has initiated legal action against the driver, 44-year-old Michael Butler, as well as Tesla, citing negligence. Butler faces manslaughter charges following the incident. This information was disclosed as part of a preliminary report detailing the ongoing investigation by the NTSB. At the same time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting its own inquiry into the matter. This data supports Tesla’s earlier position regarding the crash, as the company sought to clarify that its advanced driver assistance system was not at fault. Following the incident, Tesla CEO Elon Musk voiced his opinion on social media, arguing that the narrative did not align with the facts, emphasizing that the Full Self-Driving system operates cautiously in residential areas. Prior to the collision, the NTSB noted that Butler had activated the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature while driving on Rose Hollow Lane, a neighborhood road with a 30 mph speed limit. Security footage captured the vehicle speeding through an intersection before veering off course and crashing into a home. The conditions at the time were reported as clear, with dry roads and daylight. Tesla's policy mandates that drivers utilizing the Full Self-Driving system remain vigilant and prepared to take control at any moment. In his account to authorities, Butler claimed he had lost consciousness while using the driver assistance feature. Further investigations revealed that his internet searches included phrases such as “Tesla FSD not aggressive enough 2026” and “Tesla FSD too timid,” according to local news reports.