Robinson R44
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Rotorcraft
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45; Flight Crew Total 1750; Flight Crew Type 250
Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence; Inflight Event / Encounter VFR In IMC
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance
Human Factors; Procedure; Weather
I was flying VFR and had flight following where available; due to my altitude. Approximately 25 miles from [destination airport] I checked the ATIS (which was VFR) and checked in with ATC; indicating I would be landing at airport ZZZ. Approximately 8 minutes out from ZZZ ATC advised me that the weather had changed to IFR. It was near dusk at this time. I had a visual on the field; even though ATC reported ceilings of 800 feet. I told ATC I needed to land at ZZZ and they said I was unable. I thought briefly about the situation; and did not feel I could safely land in a field; at dusk; with lowering ceilings; and the possibility of wires I would be unable to see. I felt I would risk potentially my life; my helicopter; and potentially others unless I continued; and since I had visibility to the field I felt it to be the safest plan of action; so I [advised ATC that I'd continue.]ATC turned me over to tower frequency for landing. As I landed and continued to taxi the Tower Controller asked me to call the Tower upon landing. I asked to finish my taxi; and then get the Tower number. I got the Tower telephone number; finished shutting down; got my belongings; and went into the FBO where I called the Tower number.I spoke to the controller and related the events that led up to my decision to request a landing; which I have outlined above. He indicated that because of me having visibility; but low ceilings; that I could have requested a special VFR clearance to land. However; he thought my judgment was sound; and that given my description he felt I had made the right decision to continue. I also said to him that I did not want to jeopardize myself; my ship; or others given that it was dusk; and difficult to see potential wires near other landing sites. He agreed again; and felt I had made the right decision.As the conversation ended; I felt that I had made the right decision; and felt good that I had received the comments from the controller; which backed up my decision making.
The pilot of a R44 helicopter operating under VFR rules encountered IFR conditions approaching the destination airport. Since he had the airport in sight; and was concerned about an off-field landing; elected to continue and land at the planned airport.