According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the autopilot was not at fault in the 2021 crash that killed two people. In a final report discovered by , the agency determined that the 2019 Model S accelerated shortly before crashing into a tree in Spring, Texas, just north of Houston. Both were in the driver’s seat when they were found, leading to questions about usage .
Based on information provided by Tesla, NTSB (PDF) that the vehicle’s rapid acceleration from 39MPH to 67MPH two seconds before the collision and loss of EV control could be attributed to “intoxication-induced impairment combined with the effects of two safe antihistamines.” god, leading to road departures, tree impacts, and post-accident fires.” The NTSB said the data indicates that Autopilot was not used “at any time during this vehicle’s ownership.” Investigators did not find any “evidence of mechanical failure” that may have contributed to or caused the crash.
One of the occupants was found in the front passenger seat, while the other was in the rear. It is assumed that the driver was in the back seat as he was trying to escape. Security footage showed the men in the front seats as they departed, while data showed both front seat belts were buckled at the time of the collision – the vehicle veered off the road. The driver’s house is about 550 feet away. The men died as a result of the collision and the battery burned out after the collision.
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