I think that's a very valid objection. However, you could ask a similar question with a modified premise: you'd want to build in a way to have control over the

I think that's a very valid objection. However, you could ask a similar question with a modified premise: you'd want to build in a way to have control over the fate of the airplane. Depending on the situation, the right thing might be to safely land it (if in friendly territory), destroy it as thoroughly as possible (if in hostile territory), or protect lives on the ground (if you don't think you can land it). But whatever the goal may be, maybe the autopilot could do better than leaving it to chance. EDIT: I forgot about a fourth possibility. If in hostile territory, maybe use the autopilot to turn the plane into a weapon. You're leaking fuel so fast there's no way you'll make it back to base, but maybe you still have enough fuel to pick up a lot of speed before slamming into a nearby enemy asset.