via TechCrunch
NTSB Launches Investigation Into Fatal Tesla Crash in Texas
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into a fatal crash that occurred over the weekend in Katy, Texas. According to the agency, a driver struck a home, killing a resident. The victim has been identified as 76-year-old Martha Avila.
Avila’s family has filed a lawsuit against both the driver, Michael Butler, and Tesla, alleging negligence in connection with the incident.
The NTSB joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in probing the crash. Butler allegedly told local authorities that he was using Tesla’s Autopilot feature at the time of the accident. However, Tesla has since stated that its data indicates Butler’s accelerator pedal was fully depressed, overriding what was likely the Full Self-Driving software. According to the company, this pushed the vehicle’s speed to 73 miles per hour before it struck the house.
Tesla has not yet provided additional evidence beyond these claims. The NTSB and NHTSA investigations are expected to require the company to submit logs from the car’s onboard computers, which should help determine the precise sequence of events leading to the crash. As of 2026, the investigation remains ongoing, with regulators focusing on the reliability and transparency of Tesla’s driver-assistance systems in real-world scenarios.