Originally Posted by
Central Scrutinizer
That was the right choice your friend did. If you're being pushed down to 500 AGL and you're not capable of climbing into the clouds, it's a good time to divert and turn back to where you came from. But for the love of God don't get trapped under a closing gap between clouds and terrain!
This has happened to me a few times when pushing conditions.
Certified light aeroplane response - climb into cloud.
Microlight response - land in a field next to a pub.
Both are entirely legitimate, depending upon steed and circumstance.
Not allowing yourself an option of course, is where legitimacy of action breaks down.
The single engine helicopter pilot's actions are pretty obvious. Field. Pub !
G