Narrative:

This IOE training flight was planned VFR with adequate weather and visibility. Message was received from dispatch that destination was good VFR. Procedures were reviewed. FMC programmed for RNAV route to provide situational awareness enroute. After departure precipitation along the route was variable and started to reduce visibility to around 5 miles. Our cruising altitude was planned at 1;500 AGL. About midway through the flight where islands make the channel narrow; we received a 'caution terrain' warning - this was also at a point where precipitation had increased and further reduced visibility. Pilot flying made the decision to accomplish terrain avoidance procedure - maximum power/pitch into IMC around the time terrain alerts were received. Our course and heading kept us in the mid point of terrain along the channel. We climbed to around 10;000 ft and received a 'pop-up' IFR clearance from center to 6;000 MSL and cleared to the RNAV approach. The approach was setup and briefed and the remainder of the flight was accomplished uneventfully.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air Carrier flight crew reports entering IMC and receiving a GPWS terrain warning while at low altitude on a VFR flight plan. An immediate climb is initiated and ATC is contacted for an IFR clearance. An RNAV approach at destination ensues.

Narrative: This IOE training flight was planned VFR with adequate weather and visibility. Message was received from Dispatch that destination was good VFR. Procedures were reviewed. FMC programmed for RNAV route to provide situational awareness enroute. After departure precipitation along the route was variable and started to reduce visibility to around 5 miles. Our cruising altitude was planned at 1;500 AGL. About midway through the flight where islands make the channel narrow; we received a 'caution terrain' warning - this was also at a point where precipitation had increased and further reduced visibility. Pilot flying made the decision to accomplish terrain avoidance procedure - maximum power/pitch into IMC around the time terrain alerts were received. Our course and heading kept us in the mid point of terrain along the channel. We climbed to around 10;000 FT and received a 'pop-up' IFR clearance from Center to 6;000 MSL and cleared to the RNAV approach. The approach was setup and briefed and the remainder of the flight was accomplished uneventfully.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.