EC135
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Rotorcraft
Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter VFR In IMC; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Weather
While enroute back to base from an interfacility transport the crew decision was to abort the flight and return to airport. While executing the 180 degree left turn; aircraft began to enter a low cloud along the ridge line. Pilot decided that continuing the turn could possibly result in an IMC encounter while in a left hand bank. Prior to entering obscuration pilot leveled the aircraft and accepted the IMC event. Pilot announced IMC to crew and proceeded with the IMC emergency procedures for IMC event. Medic in left seat assisted pilot with the IMC cards and approach plates. Upon reaching a VFR on top altitude pilot elected to level off and be prepared to set up for the RNAV approach to base airport. During this time; Pilot; once aircraft control was well established (NON IFR aircraft/No Auto Pilot or HELISAS or MFDs); attempted contact with ATC. Pilot was unable to clearly receive ATC so pilot made call in the blind. Shortly after Pilot was able to receive ATC. Aircraft was configured for IFR flight and approach to base selected and activated. Pilot was following GPS guidance for the RNAV approach about the same time ATC provided heading and other clearance aircraft entered VMC conditions in vicinity of airport. Pilot notified ATC of encountering VMC conditions; and descended within VMC and flew VFR to airport. Upon landing crew debriefed the event and discussed anything we could have done better or improved upon as well as those things we did well. Operations was aware at all times of the status of the flight.Make the decision to abort as early as possible; do not hesitate.
EC135 helicopter pilot reported entering IMC on a return to base from a transport flight; requested assistance from ATC; and was able to descend on an RNAV approach to VMC and landed successfully.