At about 1310 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Instrument conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan had been filed for the flight.
During cruise, ATC advised the pilot of an area of precipitation. The pilot requested a deviation; ATC advised the pilot to “turn left.” As he initiated the turn, the airplane encountered severe turbulence and the pilot’s primary flight display temporarily “went black.” The pilot used standby instrumentation for control and initiated an emergency descent. The airplane had exited turbulence and IMC at about 4000 feet msl when the pilot heard a “bang.” Oil obscured the airplane’s windscreen and the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a corn field; the airplane incurred substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The airplane’s propeller had separated and was later recovered about six nm from the accident site.
