The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1627 Pacific time during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during cruise flight. The private pilot sustained minor injuries and a flight instructor was seriously injured. Visual conditions prevailed. While climbing though 17,000 feet msl, a loud “bang” was followed by loss of engine power. The pilot and flight instructor declared an emergency, began a descent and diverted. As the airplane neared the divert runway, the pilot realized they were not going to be able to make it and decided to land in an open field to its east. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard and came to rest upright within the open field.
