The search for the pilot and passenger of a light aircraft missing off the coast of Blackpool is due to resume.
The search was called off in poor visibility shortly before 9pm on Saturday after the wreckage of the two-seater plane was found in the sea near Blackpool.
Lancashire Police said it is believed the two men, from the Fylde area of Lancashire, died in the crash. It is understood they flew the aircraft from Exeter.
The Air Accident Investigating Branch has been informed and is due to begin its investigation.
The aircraft, thought to be a Warrior PA28, lost radio contact with air traffic control shortly after 5.15pm.
A RNLI lifeboat spotted it in the sea off South Shore, Blackpool, around 7pm. Six lifeboats took part in the sea search, while two coastguard rescue teams searched the shoreline with police. A rescue helicopter was also scrambled from RAF Valley, in Anglesey.
The PA28 is a four-seater light aircraft often used for pilot training or private travel.
The single-engine aircraft has a 10.6m (35ft) wingspan, is capable of speeds of up to 146mph and has a range of 736 miles (1,185km).
Lancashire Police Inspector Mark Hindle, who was at the scene where part of the wreckage was found just a few yards off the south promenade at Blackpool, said: "We, of course, are in the early stages of looking into just how this tragedy came about and it is far too early to speculate how it happened.
"You will appreciate that it would seem two people have died and we are in the process of informing relatives of this tragedy."
