Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 12.7; Flight Crew Total 225.7
Situational Awareness; Confusion
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Weather
Had flown from OLM earlier in the day. Light rain but no problems enroute. Later in the day; OLM was reporting 5 SM -RA with cloud bases around 2;500 FT. This seemed acceptable. Enroute conditions gradually deteriorated but I did remain clear of clouds. Approximately 15 miles southwest of OLM; visibility decreased somewhat and after a short time; I lost track of my ground position. I could still see the ground and had the required flight visibility; but due to scattered low clouds (500 FT and below) in the vicinity and reported 4 SM visibility at that time; I was unable to determine where in relation to the airport I was. The aircraft was equipped with only VOR and ADF; no DME receivers. I had configured the VOR for an approach from the south; but it became clear to me that I was not on that course. I had to spend too much time flying the airplane to appropriately update the navigation equipment. In addition; I had a portable GPS that was not active. At this time; aware of higher terrain in the vicinity and worsening conditions; I contacted OLM Tower to request assistance. Using landmarks; we determined I was actually very close to the airport; already within the Class D surface area. Shortly thereafter I was able to make a normal approach and landing. The cause of the situation was not immediately taking corrective action when the disorientation occurred. I should have contacted the Tower immediately at that point. In addition; I should have made better use of the equipment on board. The portable GPS should have been running the whole time. Both VOR receivers should have been set to different radials to provide a 'funnel' to the airport; instead a single radial. In addition; I should have been skeptical of the reported conditions. Rain often brings low clouds and decreased visibility; and with an initial reported visibility of five miles; I should have suspected that low clouds were in the area. I should have stayed until conditions improved. Finally; the Controller was very helpful. He had no concern about my airspace incursion and every concern about helping me find the airport and make a safe landing. If I could advise other pilots; it would be to always be ready to contact ATC for assistance. They are there to help.
A C172 pilot became disoriented approaching OLM due to low clouds and visibilities. The Tower was eventually contacted and provided the information necessary for the reporter to become reoriented.