Narrative:

We were flying an IFR checkride in what seemed to be fairly non-threatening conditions at departure. The forecast did not indicate severe [weather]. We were at 2;000 ft and partial panel when we flew into an area of heavy rain and downdraft conditions. During this time I lost control of the aircraft temporarily; first directional control and then lost about 700 to 800 ft. The attitude indicator was uncovered and a recovery was made. We then flew vectors to final with no other problems. The heavy rain ended after we landed.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: While practicing partial panel IFR flight the Instructor/Check Pilot and his instrument student aboard a C172 lost control of the aircraft in turbulence; recovering after a loss of 700-800 FT.

Narrative: We were flying an IFR checkride in what seemed to be fairly non-threatening conditions at departure. The forecast did not indicate severe [weather]. We were at 2;000 FT and partial panel when we flew into an area of heavy rain and downdraft conditions. During this time I lost control of the aircraft temporarily; first directional control and then lost about 700 to 800 FT. The attitude indicator was uncovered and a recovery was made. We then flew vectors to final with no other problems. The heavy rain ended after we landed.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.