Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 17; Flight Crew Total 135; Flight Crew Type 135
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter VFR In IMC; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Weather
I observed that the weather was getting marginal for VFR near the MD state line.  Approx. 15 miles SSE of CBE I tried to contact Flight Watch on 122.0 for a weather update.  I was unable to make contact.  I tried FSS on 122.2; was told to re-contact on a remote outlet that did not work.  Tried to re-contact FSS on 122.2; but was unable to.  Over the mountains west of Winchester the ceiling suddenly lowered.  I entered IMC and flew my course for approximately 2 minutes; hoping to be able to duck down below the ceiling.  The map indicated that the highest obstacle in my quadrant was only 300 feet below however.  I climbed and then called Potomac TRACON to let them know that I was stuck in IMC.  They gave me a squawk code and suggested MRB as a good airport for landing; with VFR conditions in effect.  I entered MRB into my GPS and flew towards it.  Approx. 5 miles from the airport I was able to get below the ceiling and landed without incident. This was a learning experience for me.  If I am unable to contact Flight Watch or FSS in the future I will call the closest TRACON instead.  I could have turned around immediately upon hitting IMC; and would do so if it happened again.  My perception once I was in it was that the weather behind me was not better; however. I realize now that I should have climbed to avoid obstacles but also reversed course. I was surprised at how easy it was to maintain the aircraft in stable flight in IMC.  I had heard that vertigo would take over and I would go into a dive within minutes of hitting IMC.  This was not the case.  I am glad that I had instruction in flying by instruments during my private pilot training.
Private pilot reports inadvertently entering IMC at 2500 feet. ATC is contacted and provides assistance resulting in a safe landing.