[chanon]

The main problem (quote from the article):

"What we’re doing is using human beings as safety nets or backups to computers, and that’s completely backward"

Made me stop and think a bit when I read this, very true.

[snowwrestler]

I don't think it's backwards; humans are much more flexible and capable than computers, so it is right that they back up the computers not vice-versa.

[LnxPrgr3]

Computers overriding human instructions have also caused crashes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavian_Airlines_Flight_75... -- engines ingested ice and started surging. Pilots commanded reduced power, but the Automatic Thrust Restoration system no one told them was there countered that move, leading to a double engine failure and a crash landing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Airlines_Flight_140 -- pilot accidentally flipped the takeoff/go-around switch, leading the autopilot to counter the crew's attempt to recover, causing a stall and crash.