On March 17, 1996, about 0905 eastern standard time, a Summerfeldt Thorp T-18, Canadian registration CFPVE, registered to a private owner, nosed over while landing in a field, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personnel flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Jacksonville, Florida, on March 17, 1996, about 0705. The pilot stated that before departure he obtained weather information by watching a television weather report. While en route from Jacksonville to Allendale, South Carolina, with another aircraft, they encountered instrument meteorological conditions with heavy rain, hail, and high winds. They attempted to fly to the Hampton, South Carolina Airport, but were unsuccessful due to the weather. They elected to make a precautionary landing in a field. While landing the aircraft nosed over.