NTSB preliminary report: Tesla Katy crash driver overrode FSD by pressing accelerator to 100%, vehicle exceeded 70 mph
[REGULATORY ACTION]Jul 15, 2026 · Tesla · Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) · Orlando, Florida, USA
Failure Mode
REGULATORY ACTION
Event Date
Jul 15, 2026
Primary Entity
Tesla
Robotic Platform
Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS)
Jurisdiction / Location
Orlando, Florida, USA
Audit Standard
Physical State Verified
Incident Abstract & Audit Findings
The NTSB released preliminary findings on July 15, 2026 for the June 19 fatal Tesla Model 3 crash in Katy, Texas that killed 76-year-old Martha Avila. Electronic data recovered from the vehicle indicated the driver had engaged Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) but manually overrode it by pressing the accelerator pedal to 100%, with the vehicle traveling at greater than 70 mph when it crashed into a home.
System & Fleet Architecture
Operating Manufacturer
Hardware Platform
Operational Sectors
Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings
- Inspect Filing
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/transportation/2026/07/15/557180/tesla-fatal-crash-houston-ntsb-investigation/
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/transportation/2026/07/15/557180/tesla-fatal-crash-houston-ntsb-investigation/
- Inspect Filing
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/HWY26FH014.aspx
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/HWY26FH014.aspx
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Details
Incident Context & FAQ
What happened in NTSB preliminary report: Tesla Katy crash driver overrode FSD by pressing accelerator to 100%, vehicle exceeded 70 mph?
The NTSB released preliminary findings on July 15, 2026 for the June 19 fatal Tesla Model 3 crash in Katy, Texas that killed 76-year-old Martha Avila. Electronic data recovered from the vehicle indicated the driver had engaged Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) but manually overrode it by pressing the accelerator pedal to 100%, with the vehicle traveling at greater than 70 mph when it crashed into a home. The driver, 44-year-old Michael Butler, was previously charged with manslaughter. The NTSB noted all aspects remain under investigation and it plans to issue safety recommendations.
When did this incident occur?
The incident is recorded as occurring on July 15, 2026 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.
What robot was involved in NTSB preliminary report: Tesla Katy crash driver overrode FSD by pressing accelerator to 100%, vehicle exceeded 70 mph?
Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) by Tesla is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Orlando, Florida, USA.
Has anyone responded to NTSB preliminary report: Tesla Katy crash driver overrode FSD by pressing accelerator to 100%, vehicle exceeded 70 mph?
No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.
What is the current status of NTSB preliminary report: Tesla Katy crash driver overrode FSD by pressing accelerator to 100%, vehicle exceeded 70 mph?
This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.