Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 18.00; Flight Crew Total 770.00; Flight Crew Type 280.00
Time Pressure; Situational Awareness
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; Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Human Factors; Weather
This mission was to transport a [medical] client to ZZZ. Also on board was a non-pilot friend. I had been studying the WX the night before and realized fog was predicted using my Foreflight App including TAF; MOS and forecast discussion. Before departure; I reviewed the WX again. The forecast had improve slightly; with MVFR expected [later] at ZZZ. My hopes were that clouds would be at least broken by the time I reached the arrival area with ceilings at 2;500 [feet]. We departed expecting a 2hr 10 min flight; thus arriving in the Modesto area as conditions were improving. I contacted ATC and initiated flight following after hand off from [departure airport].Upon passing [an airport] I noted broken clouds ahead and mostly overcast to the East. I choose to fly slightly west to stay on the margin where clouds were broken. In the vicinity; I began a VFR descent to 2;500 MSL to get under the deck. Initially base of clouds were 2;500 MSL which I reported to ATC upon request. My logic; although questionable in retrospect; was: 1. WX forecast led me to believe that ceilings were 1;500 [feet] with 3-5 mile horizontal visibility en route.2. Terrain was generally flat with area elevations between 100 and 150 ft. MSL and minimal obstructions. My minimum safe altitude limit was 1;500 MSL. 3. Should WX be unsatisfactory; I could turn around and exit the area. I had identified ZZZ1 as my alternate airport prior to departure. It was reporting 10 SM and unrestricted which I checked at [departure airport].4. I was using my Garmin 650 primarily for traffic and my Foreflight I-Pad mini (wheel mounted) for navigation; including Sim vision.5. I had sufficient experience and familiarity with my aircraft/instruments.ATC was monitoring and communicating throughout this event. Initially they asked why I had gone off my direct course to ZZZ and I responded to get under the deck. After; they updated me on ZZZ WX and obtained a PIREP indicating that an airport (whose name I do not recall now) in the vicinity was indicating better WX that ZZZ. ZZZ was reporting 1;500 [feet] ceiling and I believe 5 (or 7?) miles visibility prior to my descent using FIS-B on my Garmin 650. I also had picked up ZZZ info 'Tech' confirming above conditions.After about 10 minutes proceeding directly toward ZZZ; the ceiling lowered to about 1;500 [feet]. In the vicinity of [a wildlife refuge]; it lowered further. At first I thought this was a brief 'sag' in the clouds and would return to 1;500 [feet]. After about 15-20 seconds in IMC and no longer able to see the ground; I executed a climbing std. rate left turn in order to return to VFR on top. I used my Garmin G5 to fly this segment in IMC. Just prior to this; ATC had warned of an obstruction at my 2 o'clock which I noted on my Foreflight display as well; hence the left turn. During the ascent; ATC asked if I was IFR rated and wanted an IFR clearance. I responded negative.Once VFR on top; I completed a 360 turn and headed west toward ZZZ1 which ATC suggested as a VFR airport. En route; I determined ZZZ3 was VFR and closed for my client to be picked up. I notified ATC and terminated flight following with airport in sight. If needed I have the Foreflight track log for your use. I appreciated ATC's attention and support. In retrospect the PIREP info from ATC slightly mislead me to believe my initial plan was viable and to continue inbound. I would not in the least way; consider this a criticism of ATC.
C182 pilot reported a VFR into IMC encounter.