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Rudder issue found on crashed Taunton plane

TAUNTON, Mass. (AP) — Federal investigators say they have found a problem with the tail rudder of a small plane that crashed in Taunton last weekend, killing both people on board.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators said a lock on the rudder, which is used to immobilize it when the plane is parked, was engaged when it took off Sunday morning from Taunton Municipal Airport.

An NTSB spokesman says the significance of the finding is unclear but will play a role in the investigation.

The victims of the crash were identified as 69-year-old John Schmouth, of Brockton, and 61-year-old Roland Deslauriers, of Bridgewater. Schmouth was listed as the pilot.

Authorities say the small plane crashed during takeoff shortly after 6 a.m. and burst into flames.