Microlight Crash Kills Charity Campaigner During Apple TV Production 2026

A tragic microlight crash claimed the life of charity campaigner Claire Lomas while she was filming an Apple TV series, an inquest has revealed. The 44-year-old mother of two, who became the first person to complete a marathon in a bionic suit, died five weeks after her adapted aircraft veered off a runway in Amman, Jordan, and struck a large rock. The inquest, held at County Hall in Glenfield, Leicester, heard that Lomas suffered multiple severe traumatic injuries during the crash on 15 July and passed away on 22 August at King Hussein medical centre.

The Accident and the Apple TV Series

At the time of the crash, Lomas was wearing an Apple Vision Pro headset and filming content for a series commissioned by Apple. Lina Zilinskaite, a senior producer for Atlantic Productions, told the court that Apple had selected several athletes to perform challenges for the series, with Lomas being one of them. Zilinskaite described Lomas as "very enthusiastic and keen and excited about the opportunity."

Lomas had obtained a microlight licence years before the series was commissioned, and she had purchased her own adapted aircraft between 2022 and 2023. Ben Ashman, a microlight designer and manufacturer, confirmed that the aircraft had been modified to accommodate her inability to use her feet. The flight had originally been scheduled for the day before but was cancelled due to strong winds.

Key Facts of the Case

Claire Lomas: A Legacy of Determination

Claire Lomas became a prominent disability campaigner after a horse riding accident in 2007 left her paralysed from the chest down. Her remarkable achievement of completing the 2012 London Marathon in a bionic suit took 16 days, raising over £200,000 for spinal research. She continued to inspire many through her charity work and public speaking, and her involvement in the Apple TV series was another testament to her adventurous spirit.

The inquest heard that Lomas had been piloting the microlight herself, with the adapted controls allowing her to operate the aircraft despite her paralysis. The crash occurred during landing, when the aircraft veered off the runway and struck a large rock. Senior coroner Louise Pinder noted that Lomas suffered multiple severe injuries, leading to her death weeks later.

Key Takeaways

• Claire Lomas was a pioneering disability campaigner and the first person to complete a marathon in a bionic suit.
• The crash occurred while she was filming an Apple TV series, wearing an Apple Vision Pro headset.
• The microlight had been specially adapted for her physical needs, and she was an experienced pilot.
• The inquest highlighted the risks of extreme sports and the importance of safety protocols.

Safety and Regulatory Implications

This tragic incident raises questions about the safety of microlight flying, especially for pilots with physical disabilities. While adaptations can enable participation, thorough risk assessments and emergency procedures are vital. The inquest will likely lead to recommendations for improved safety measures in similar aircraft operations.

Apple and Atlantic Productions have not publicly commented on the incident, but the series' production has been paused pending the investigation. The case underscores the need for rigorous oversight when filming high-risk activities for commercial content.

FAQ

The death of Claire Lomas is a profound loss to the disability community and beyond. Her courage and determination continue to inspire, and her story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety in all adventurous pursuits.

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