Charity Campaigner Dies in Microlight Crash While Filming Apple Series 2026

A tragic microlight crash claimed the life of disability 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 with the help of a “bionic” suit, died five weeks after the adapted aircraft she was piloting 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.

Claire Lomas: A Life of Courage and Advocacy

Claire Lomas was a prominent disability campaigner who inspired millions after a horse riding accident in 2007 left her paralysed from the chest down. She went on to complete the 2012 London Marathon in a robotic exoskeleton, raising over £200,000 for spinal injury research. Her determination and advocacy made her a beloved figure in the disability community, and she continued to push boundaries, including obtaining a microlight pilot’s licence years before the tragic accident.

The Apple TV Series and the Fatal Flight

The inquest heard that Lomas was filming content for Apple’s Vision Pro headset, a series commissioned by the tech giant and produced by Atlantic Productions. Lina Zilinskaite, a senior producer, told the court that Lomas was one of several athletes selected to perform “some sort of challenge or feat” in different episodes. Lomas had been “very enthusiastic and keen and excited about the opportunity,” and her flight was scheduled for the day before the crash but was cancelled due to strong winds. The fatal flight took place on 15 July, when the adapted microlight veered off the runway and hit a large rock.

Key Facts from the Inquest

Safety Concerns and Adapted Aircraft

Ben Ashman, a microlight designer and manufacturer, confirmed that Lomas had bought her own version of the aircraft between 2022 and 2023, which had been adapted to support her physical limitations. The inquest is examining whether the adaptations or environmental factors contributed to the crash. Strong winds had already forced a cancellation the day before, raising questions about the decision to proceed on the day of the accident.

Key Takeaways from the Inquest

• Claire Lomas was filming an Apple TV series promoting the Vision Pro headset at the time of the crash.
• The microlight was adapted to accommodate her paralysis, but the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.
• Strong winds had cancelled the flight the previous day, but the flight proceeded on 15 July.
• Lomas had obtained her microlight licence years before the series was commissioned.
• The inquest aims to determine whether any safety protocols were breached.

Legacy and Impact

Claire Lomas’ legacy extends far beyond her tragic death. She was a beacon of hope for disabled individuals, proving that physical limitations do not define one’s potential. Her work with disability charities and her groundbreaking marathon achievement continue to inspire. The Apple TV series she was filming was intended to showcase the capabilities of the Vision Pro headset in assisting athletes with disabilities, a fitting tribute to her pioneering spirit.

FAQ

The inquest continues to gather evidence, and a full report is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating loss. Claire Lomas’ family and supporters hope that lessons will be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.