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 aircraft accidents have occurred when pilots lost control after an autopilot disconnected, highlighting a critical vulnerability.
A personal incident demonstrated how an inadvertent autopilot disconnection, combined with a misunderstanding of specific autopilot modes (like Garmin's ROL mode), can quickly lead to disorientation and flying off course.
These events underscore that when unexpected issues like autopilot failure cause workload to exceed a pilot's "tools" (knowledge) and "capacity" (ability to respond), the risk of accidents significantly increases.

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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.