# Tesla Crash Blamed On Nonexistent Autopilot

**Published:** 2026-06-24T14:06:02.833Z  
**Topic:** Tesla  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/5802f678-8f3a-41b5-90aa-7b7a482fb899

Tesla driver blames Autopilot for fatal crash, but car didn't have it, 76-year-old woman killed, NHTSA investigates, what really happened, 73 mph impact speed

1. A Tesla driver attempted to blame Autopilot for a fatal crash in Texas, but the car didn't have the software, according to reports [1]. The incident has sparked an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and raised questions about the role of driver-assistance systems in such crashes.

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Company | Tesla |
| Headline figure | 73 mph impact speed |
| Stage | Fatal crash investigation |
| Victim | 76-year-old woman killed |

2. The crash occurred when a Tesla Model 3 driven by 44-year-old Michael Butler careened into a home in Katy, Texas, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila Mantilla [2]. Tesla has since confirmed that its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system was engaged at the time of the crash, but claims the driver overrode it by pressing the accelerator to 100%.

## What drove the move
The incident has highlighted the complexities of driver-assistance systems and the potential for human error. According to Tesla, the driver's pedal input overrode the FSD system, which was engaged at the time of the crash [2]. However, the company's own data has been called into question, with some arguing that the system's design may have contributed to the driver's mistake.

## The competitive picture
The incident is not an isolated one, with several similar crashes having occurred in the past. In 2019, a Tesla driver using Autopilot blew through a T-intersection and killed a pedestrian, with a jury later finding Tesla 33% responsible for the crash [2]. The company's marketing and monitoring of its driver-assistance systems have been criticized for fostering a false sense of security among drivers.

| Comparison | Tesla FSD | Prior Autopilot |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 73 mph | Variable |
| Driver input | Required | Optional |

## What to watch
* The NHTSA's investigation into the crash and Tesla's FSD system
* The release of Tesla's vehicle logs and data from the crash
* The potential for regulatory action against Tesla and other manufacturers of driver-assistance systems

The real significance of this incident lies in the questions it raises about the safety and design of driver-assistance systems, and the need for greater transparency and accountability from manufacturers like Tesla. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how Tesla and regulators will respond to the concerns surrounding FSD and other similar systems.

## Sources
1. Jalopnik — [Tesla Driver Tries To Blame Crash On Software His Car Doesn't Even Have - Jalopnik](https://www.jalopnik.com/2199665/tesla-driver-blames-crash-software-car-doesnt-have/)
2. Electrek — [Tesla admits FSD was on in fatal Texas crash, blames driver for 'overriding' it | Electrek](https://electrek.co/2026/06/23/tesla-fsd-katy-crash-driver-pedal/)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Tesla Crash Blamed On Nonexistent Autopilot", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/5802f678-8f3a-41b5-90aa-7b7a482fb899