At approximately 0800 central time, a Piper PA-28-235 sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight was en route from Hobbs, N.M. to Abilene when the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to reach Avenger Field Airport near Sweetwater for the forced landing, but headwinds prevented him from reaching the airport. The airplane collided with terrain about 400 feet short of the runway, then struck trees, a fence, and two poles before coming to rest on the runway.