Ron Chippendale killed

[stu]

www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=132174

Erebus investigation head killed

12/02/2008 12:52:03

The man who investigated the Erebus disaster has been hit by a car and killed in Porirua.

Ron Chippendale was out on a regular early morning walk near his home in Aotea, when police say an 18-year-old driver lost control of his car and ploughed into him.

The 75-year-old was killed instantly.

Police say the teenage driver is likely to face serious charges.

Kapiti Mana Area Commander Inspector John Spence says Mr Chippendale was a keen walker and could be seen most days striding out near his home. He describes the circumstances of his death as a real tragedy.

Inspector Spence is appealing for witnesses to the crash.

Mr Chippendale was chief inspector of air accidents when the an Air New Zealand DC10 crashed at Antarctica's Mt Erebus in 1979. It claimed the lives of all 257 people onboard.

[Kereru]

I emailed this link to a number of people today as it had just been added to the web site.

www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=6170500

And now I read this very sad news. My condolences to the family.

Colin

[flyjoe180]

Only last year was his work for the Erebus investigation awarded with a medal. RIP Mr Chippendale.

[Dave Homewood]

Indeed a real tragedy, his work must have produced a lot of benefits for safer aviation over the years. Sad yet ironic to think his final act results in a crash investigation.

[turboNZ]

Very sad to hear.

It must have been quite a job to do the tragic Erebus investigation.

RIP