Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Total 950
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter VFR In IMC; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Weather
We were going to SPB for two approaches for the IPC. We started with a straight in VOR/DME-A approach in IMC and broke out of the clouds about 1100 feet MSL. We proceeded to go missed approach accordingly and received direct COVHO for the GPS 15 into SPB. We established ourselves on course and proceeded to the minimums while breaking out of the clouds at 1300 feet MSL. At this point I was beginning to contemplate whether or not to keep our IFR clearance or go VFR back to TTD. I evaluated the weather at TTD with the current METAR via Foreflight which indicated MVFR and also considered the current height of the clouds nearby. I made the decision to cancel IFR and proceed to TTD via Lacamas Lake VFR. With the weather appearing to improve closer to TTD airport; and the external pressures of time and my students financial situation. We proceeded VFR to TTD via Lacamas lake with about 4-5 SM visibility and clouds at 1200 feet. However somewhere in-between Green Mountain and Lacamas Lake the clouds started to slope downward. We were currently over Lacamas Lake with Green Mountain passed behind us and Prune hill in sight off to the West; we continued descending to avoid the clouds when we became about 400-500 AGL over the south end of Lacamas Lake. Prior to this point the student and I had poor communication of an exit plan and who had the flight controls solely. We then decided the terrain is too close and we began to climb. As we climbed we entered the clouds now in IMC flight conditions; I contacted Troutdale and told them the following; Aircraft X: TTD tower were contacting P80. Aircraft X needs IFR to BTG P80: Roger; cleared direct BTG climb maintain 4000 ft. Aircraft X: Direct BTG; 4000 feet. P80: do you want a left or right hand turn? Aircraft X: Either one is fine. P80: make a right hand turn; for a lower MDA. P80: Can you provide your own terrain clearance through 2000 ft? Aircraft X: yes (we were already climbing and knew we were well over Prune hill and any obstacles) P80: cleared direct BTG; provide own terrain separation through 2000ft cleared to 4000ft Aircraft X: Own terrain through 2000 climb 4000 direct BTG P80: What's your approach request? Aircraft X: HIO ILS 13. At this point we received vectors and altitudes to the final approach course. I assigned the student to flying the aircraft which were just headings and maintaining altitude; and I navigated; communicated; and monitored his flying. The rest of the flight from that point on went fine as we acted as a crew. Looking back on the situation we encountered many moments during the flight that could have eliminated the outcome prior to happening. However due to poor crew communication regarding an exit plan; and who has the flight controls we didn't.
Instructor pilot reports electing to enter clouds without a clearance due to unexpectedly low ceilings while on a VFR flight. A clearance is quickly obtained from Approach Control and the instructor and student continue to destination.