20240503004579I

Operator reports that he had departed dupage airport (dpa) and planned a non stop direct flight to texarkana airport (txk). He had refueled the main fuel tanks at dpa and was in flight for approximately an hour at 6500 feet. He was VFR on top and was in contact with stl approach and was using flight following. The autopilot was engaged and he was monitoring the jem engine instrument when the engine completely lost power. There were no abnormal indications from the monitor and no engine roughness was noted prior to complete power loss. When all power was lost, he established best glide speed, engaged the boost pump, and switched to the fullest tank. He ran the emergency checklist with no change. He asked stl approach for the nearest airport and was advised of springfield IL but responded that he was too FAR away to make spi. He descended through the clouds holding the wings level. When he broke out of the clouds, a bean field was in front of him. The aircraft touched down and rolled out approximately 1000 feet before coming to a stop upright in the bean field. Engine examination found the left magneto impulse coupling was severely damaged and the accessory housing was contaminated with metal shavings from the magneto housing. Two teeth were sheared off of the crankshaft gear and two teeth were sheared off of the magneto drive gear in the accessory housing. Four gear teeth were found in the oil sump as well as one full washer and one washer that was broken into two pieces. The oil sump finger screen was contaminated with metal shavings.