Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while cruising at 6,000 feet in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with light to moderate rain and turbulence, a loud bang was heard followed by the loss of power from the left engine. The pilot shut down the engine, feathered the propeller, and notified air traffic control (ATC). ATC cleared the aircraft to descend to 3,000 feet, and the pilot complied.
Emergency Descent and Landing Attempt
Unable to maintain altitude with the operating engine at full power, the pilot attempted a precautionary landing on Interstate Highway 35. The descent rate was 200 to 300 feet per minute at an airspeed of 98 miles per hour (85 knots). During the descent, the pilot attempted to restart the left engine.
Abandoned Approach and Landing
Due to low visibility, rain, and vehicular traffic, the pilot abandoned the approach to the highway and executed a wheels-up landing in a pasture.
Post-Incident Examination
An examination and runup of the left engine following the incident did not reveal any discrepancies.