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Wreckage found in hunt for plane Wreckage found in hunt for plane
(about 5 hours later)
Coastguards searching for a plane missing off the Blackpool coast have found the wreckage of a light aircraft, Lancashire Police have said.Coastguards searching for a plane missing off the Blackpool coast have found the wreckage of a light aircraft, Lancashire Police have said.
The emergency services were alerted after radar contact was lost with the plane, which is believed to have two males on board. The emergency services were alerted after radar contact was lost with the plane soon after 1700 GMT on Saturday.
Three lifeboats, two coastguard teams and a military helicopter are involved in the operation. Two men are believed to have been on board. It is not known whether they died in the crash.
Police said there was no news yet on those on board the aircraft. The search was called off at 2100 GMT and will resume at first light, said a Lancashire Police spokesman.
A spokesman for Liverpool Maritime and Coastguard Agency described the aircraft as a Warrior PA28. Hampered by fog
Foggy conditions The search operation had been under way for two hours when the wreckage was spotted by an RNLI lifeboat near Blackpool's south promenade.
It is understood there is currently fog in some north-western coastal areas. An RNLI spokesman said the operation had been hampered by fog.
The plane lost contact soon after 1700 GMT. It disappeared off radar about a mile from South Shore in Blackpool. The aircraft - thought to be a Warrior PA28 - was believed to have been travelling from Exeter to Blackpool, said Lancashire Police.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said the aircraft was believed to have been travelling from Exeter to Blackpool.
The PA28 is a four-seater light aircraft often used for pilot training or private travel.The PA28 is a four-seater light aircraft often used for pilot training or private travel.
The single-engine aircraft is capable of speeds up to 146mph and has a range of 736 miles (1,185km).The single-engine aircraft is capable of speeds up to 146mph and has a range of 736 miles (1,185km).