On May 11, 1996, at 1905 central daylight time, a Bellanca 17-30, N6668V, operated by an instrument rated private pilot sustained substantial damage during a forced landing approximately one and one-half miles southeast of the Springfield Regional Airport, Springfield, Missouri. The airplane bounced on impact with the ground and came to rest in the opposite direction to travel hitting the tail. The pilot and one passenger received serious injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating on an IFR flight plan; however, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight departed Baton Rouge, Louisiana, about 1430. The pilot stated that he had planned for a two hour, fifty minute flight when he departed about 1430. The accident occurred about 1905 based on a police report. The accident flight comprised the pilot's total time in this type of airplane. Subsequent to the accident an examination of the airplane revealed only unusable fuel remaining in the three tanks. The tanks were intact after the accident. An examination of the engine revealed continuity throughout. Inspection of the oil and fuel screens found no contamination. Spark plugs, compression and magneto checks found no anomalies which could be associated with the loss of engine power.