At 1054 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The private pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.
While in cruise flight at 2500 feet msl, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot noticed no anomalies prior to the loss of engine power. After several unsuccessful engine restarts, the pilot executed a forced landing to a field with the landing gear retracted. The airplane impacted terrain and came to rest upright. Post-accident examination revealed the firewall and forward fuselage were bent.
