SR22
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 480; Flight Crew Type 300
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter VFR In IMC; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Weather
Initial weather enroute to the destination airport was unlimited ceilings with good visibility. Over the last 140 miles of the route a light scattered and then predominantly overcast layer began to develop. VFR flight on top of preceded and all surrounding airports including the destination airport remained VFR according to satellite weather.At approximately 60 miles from the destination airport a break in the now cumulus clouds was observed and a circling descent was commenced. There was an urgency to descend in this break as it was unclear if there would be another opportunity prior to the destination airport. During the descent there proved to be a previously hidden layer of clouds in the opening and inadvertent flight into clouds occurred. Immediately when this occurred autopilot was engaged. Believing this layer was light it was elected that the most prudent action was to continue the descent under autopilot. When VFR conditions did not emerge in approximately 20 seconds the decision was made to initiate a climb back on top using the autopilot. Once VFR conditions resumed fuel was approaching the personal limit of 1:45 minutes remaining. At this point a 180 degree turn was initiated back to the last location where the ceiling was unlimited. A new destination airport was selected with unlimited ceiling to take on additional fuel and then a landing preceded without incident.The sunset conditions and shadows made it difficult to spot the hidden layer of clouds in the break. A contributing factor was deciding to fly 'over the top' instead of under the clouds which were above VFR minimums and not immediately commencing a climb and turn when the cloud was inadvertently entered.
The pilot of an SR22 attempted to descend through a break in the cloud layer only to discover additional clouds; resulting in flight into instrument conditions. When VFR conditions could not immediately be located; a climb was initiated to return to VFR on top flight.