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:

Recent fatal accidents involved pilots losing control after an autopilot disconnected, prompting the author to reflect on the complexities of such incidents.
The author experienced a similar incident with a new Vision Jet pilot, where an inadvertent autopilot disconnect combined with a misunderstanding of Garmin's "ROL" mode led to a significant course deviation.
The article emphasizes that accidents can occur when unexpected events, like an autopilot failure, drastically increase workload, exceeding a pilot's capacity and "tools" (knowledge) to respond effectively, especially when factors like fatigue reduce capacity.
Maintaining a wide margin between a pilot's capacity and the workload is crucial to manage inevitable surprises in flight and prevent loss of control.

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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.