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Driver Blames Autopilot After Deadly Tesla Crash in Texas, Video Shows Different Story
A fatal crash in Katy, Texas involved a Tesla Model 3 that struck a house at high speed, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila. Driver Michael Butler claimed Autopilot was engaged, but surveillance footage and witnesses show the vehicle traveling at excessive speed without apparent system control. The NHTSA has opened a Special Crash Investigation with no evidence directly linking Autopilot to the collision. Pedal misapplication is considered the likely cause, consistent with similar past incidents. The investigation continues with vehicle data analysis.
- Fatal Texas crash involved a Tesla Model 3 at high speed
- Driver claimed Autopilot was active, but video contradicts this
- NHTSA opened special investigation without evidence against Autopilot
🔎 Why it matters: The NHTSA investigation into the Texas crash is crucial to clarify Autopilot's role and possible pedal misapplication in the Model 3.
📈 Upside: Not applicable.
📉 Risk: Misattributing the crash to Autopilot may distract from real causes like incorrect pedal application.
🤖 Automated analysis and summary. Every story links its original source for verification.