PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 250; Flight Crew Total 1200; Flight Crew Type 35
Workload
Deviation - Altitude Overshoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; General Maintenance Action
Weather
Went out for practice approaches. Wind was calm on departure and enroute; cold front came in on the way back and encountered severe turbulence; severe downdrafts and heavy precipitation in IMC after I was cleared for the GPS RNAV 1L approach. Lost about 2300 ft. causing me to go below IFR minimum altitude in the approach. Could not control the aircraft because of downdrafts and turbulence. Ended up breaking the clouds at about 1200 ft.; no downdrafts at this point but still encountered severe turbulence because of the gusty winds at low level. I was cleared for the visual. Landed safely and no injuries for both pilots on board. Aircraft got inspected by maintenance and there is no damage.
PA28 Instructor reported loss of control in IMC in approach due to downdrafts and turbulence.