PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 200; Flight Crew Type 50
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Inflight Event / Encounter VFR In IMC; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Procedure; Weather
I contacted WX Brief to obtain a weather briefing for [the] flight. During the briefing I recognized that I would have to amend my initial plans for a direct flight because the ceilings were too low for the altitude that would be necessary for me to get over the mountains in that area. When I arrived at the airport; I reviewed information that was available through DUATs including but not limited to METAR and TAF information; local and animated radar; program charts; satellite; convective SIGMET charts; and convective watch charts. The weather information indicated that [my destination] and my chosen route was VFR and the TAF indicated for my route continued improvement until late afternoon at which time weather would deteriorate from then through the evening hours. Based on this information; I decided my flight could be made in VMC conditions. I departed and climbed to 2;500 FT and leveled off to avoid scattered clouds that were reported at 4;500 FT. About 40 minutes into the flight I flew into what seemed to be a cell of light rain. Conditions degraded rapidly from this point forward and before I was able to react I found myself in IMC conditions. I proceeded by contacting Memphis Center and requested Flight Following and assistance getting clear of the weather. When radar contact had been established; I was instructed to turn 20 degrees right to avoid heavy weather. I flew the heading for about 35 minutes when I cleared the clouds. I contacted Memphis Center to request a turn on course since I was again in VMC conditions.I just about to take the written test for the instrument rating; the plane I was in is IFR certified. With that said; I believe if it were not for the help that was provided to me by Center the outcome would have been much worse; maybe fatal.
P32 pilot inadvertantly flew into IMC; notified ATC and; after receiving vectors to clear adverse weather; resumed VFR flight.