NTSB: Autopilot Not Engaged in Fatal Tesla Crash

Tesla Autopilot Not Engaged During Texas Crash, Preliminary NTSB Report Finds

According to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Monday, Tesla’s Autopilot system was not active on the road segment where a Model S vehicle was involved in a fatal crash in Texas last month.

Clarifying the Circumstances of the Incident

The findings contribute to resolving uncertainties surrounding the crash, which garnered significant public attention following initial police reports indicating an unoccupied driver’s seat. This sparked speculation regarding the potential operation of Autopilot at the time of the incident.

The NTSB report specifies that only adaptive cruise control, a component of the Autopilot suite, was functional in that particular area. The Autosteer function, designed to maintain the vehicle within its lane, was unavailable on that section of roadway.

Confirmation of Vehicle Systems and Occupancy

These preliminary results align with statements made by Lars Moravy, Tesla’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering. He previously indicated that adaptive cruise control was engaged and the vehicle accelerated to 30 miles per hour prior to the collision.

The NTSB has also confirmed that only two individuals were present inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. Initial reports and observations of the occupants’ positions – one in the front passenger seat and the other in the rear – had fueled speculation about Autopilot engagement and even unsubstantiated theories of a third passenger.

Sequence of Events Leading to the Crash

“Security footage from the owner’s residence depicts the owner entering the driver’s seat and the passenger taking the front passenger seat,” the report details. “The vehicle then traveled approximately 550 feet before leaving the roadway on a curve, mounting the curb, and impacting a drainage culvert, a raised manhole, and a tree.”

Ongoing Investigation and Remaining Questions

A key aspect still under investigation is whether the driver relocated to a different seat either before or after the crash occurred.

The NTSB will continue to gather and analyze data pertaining to crash dynamics, postmortem toxicology results, seat belt usage, occupant egress, and the resulting electric vehicle fire. The agency emphasizes that all facets of the crash remain subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Damage to Critical Data Recording Components

The NTSB’s preliminary assessment also revealed that the crash and subsequent fire significantly damaged crucial data storage devices. The onboard storage device was destroyed, and the restraint control module sustained damage.

The restraint control module, which records data related to vehicle speed, seat belt status, acceleration, and airbag deployment, was recovered but exhibited fire damage. It has been sent to the NTSB’s recorder laboratory for evaluation.

Collaborative Investigation Efforts

The NTSB is conducting the investigation in collaboration with Tesla and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A separate, parallel investigation is being carried out by the Harris County Texas Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.