Federal agency probing Tesla's Autopilot feature after fatal crash

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into the performance of Tesla's Autopilot feature during a fatal crash that occurred last month. The autopilot feature was engaged when the driver of a 2015 Model S was killed in a May 7 accident in Williston, Florida, according to the NHTSA. The incident "calls for an examination of the design and performance of any driving aids in use at the time of the crash," the agency said. Such an investigation is the first step the NHTSA would take before ordering a recall if necessary. The evaluation "should not be construed as a finding that the Office of Defects Investigation believes there is either a presence or absence of a defect in the subject vehicles," NHTSA Communications Director Bryan Thomas said in a statement.