What Happens When Autopilots Fail?

Accidents can occur if workload exceeds an aviator's capacity.

Max Trescott

Friday, May 09, 2025 at 09:10 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

For a pilot, the tools are knowing what to do to fix the inevitable surprises that occur when we fly. [Courtesy: CIrrus Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

Fatal accidents illustrate how sudden autopilot disconnections can quickly overwhelm pilots, leading to a loss of aircraft control and ultimately tragedy.
An incident during supervised flight experience revealed how subtle autopilot behaviors, such as Garmin's "ROL" mode maintaining an existing bank, can disorient pilots even when hand-flying by the flight director, leading to significant course deviations.
The article emphasizes that successful recovery from unexpected flight issues relies on a pilot's "tools" (knowledge to fix problems) and "capacity" (ability to respond, affected by factors like fatigue), highlighting that accidents occur when workload exceeds this capacity.

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On July 26, 2024, about 1:04 p.m. MDT, a Pilatus PC-12/47E was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Recluse, Wyoming. The pilot and six passengers were killed.

Before the crash, the pilot reported to Salt Lake City Center the loss of the autopilot and declared an emergency. The pilot then advised he was trying to get control of the airplane, and the controller asked if he needed additional assistance. There was no further response from the pilot.