Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Retractable Gear
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 6.4; Flight Crew Total 217; Flight Crew Type 22.6
Confusion; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Weather; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
While en route to SGU; LA Center told me to 'expect the visual approach' into SGU. When crossing over MMM; I noticed a significant down pour between me and the airport. I mistakenly thought I needed to remain in VMC since I was to expect the visual approach. In addition I was concerned about the possibility of downdrafts associated with the down-pour since the forecast had called for isolated thunderstorms. I decided to deviate course 20 degrees to the right and follow the ground-track for the VOR/DME-A approach into SGU to remain clear of the weather. By making the turn; I was able to remain in VMC. However; I turned into higher terrain where I would be unable to maintain 2;000 FT ground clearance without climbing. The Controller queried me and I responded that I was turning to follow the VOR/DME-A ground track. Whereupon the Controller had me climb and maintain 10;000 FT for terrain clearance. After a brief conversation with the Controller; I realized that when I became uncomfortable about going through the down-pour (and associated downdrafts) I should have: 1) requested the VOR/DME-A approach into SGU (which would have kept me clear of the weather) before deviating from my clearance; or; 2) requested to deviate 20 degrees right of course for weather before turning. The Controller didn't realize I was in VMC and was concerned when I turned into higher terrain; rightfully so. In the future; I will better communicate my concerns to ATC and I will request a different clearance if I'm uncomfortable with the one I received. In addition; I will not deviate from the clearance I received.
An pilot approaching SGU IFR was told to expect a visual approach then deviated from the ATC assigned track because of weather and after approaching high terrain was given a climb clearance.