Wellington, Sept 22 NZPA - Retired air accident investigator Ron Chippindale died from head and neck injuries after being hit by a speeding car, Wellington coroner Ian Smith has ruled.

Mr Chippindale, 74, who headed the investigation into the 1979 Air New Zealand DC 10 crash in Antarctica, died on February 12 last after being hit in Whitford Brown Avenue, Porirua.

Henry Lingman, 19, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, and was given nine months' home detention and community work.

He was driving on a learner's licence and exceeding the 70kmh speed limit at the time.

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