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Government shutdown may delay probe of deadly plane crash

Two pilots killed in northern Ohio
Ohio plane crash
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APPLE CREEK, Ohio (AP) — Authorities say the full investigation into a plane crash that killed two pilots in Ohio likely will be delayed by the federal government shutdown.

The Daily Record in Wooster reports a statement this week from a National Transportation Safety Board spokeswoman said the majority of NTSB employees are furloughed. The spokeswoman says the board won't be able to begin its investigation of Monday's crash until the shutdown ends.

The State Highway Patrol's initial investigation into the crash in a yard of a rural Wayne County home was handed over to federal authorities Tuesday. The patrol says that investigation found that engine issues may have caused the plane to crash.

Troopers say 55-year-old pilot Brian Stoltzfus and 56-year-old co-pilot Curtis Wilkerson died at the scene. Both were from nearby Apple Creek.