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 illustrate how autopilot disconnections can rapidly overwhelm pilots, leading to a loss of aircraft control and communication.
The author's personal experience highlighted how an inadvertent autopilot disconnection and subsequent misinterpretation of autopilot modes (e.g., Garmin's ROL mode) can cause significant navigational errors.
Pilots require deep system knowledge and sufficient mental capacity to manage sudden increases in workload and recover from unexpected in-flight surprises, such as automation failures, to ensure a wide safety margin.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.