Date: 201509
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: RSW.TRACON, FL
Flight conditions: Mixed
Weather elements / visibility: Rain; Thunderstorm; 2
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Initial Approach
Airspace: Class E RSW
ATC / advisory: TRACON RSW
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Not Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Contributing factors: Weather
Primary problem: Weather

Narrative: At approximately 200 NM NNW of PGD [the flight] was in its initial descent into PGD. Acting as the Non-Flying pilot I informed the Captain I would listen to the PGD ATIS and begin my Non-Flying arrival duties. Upon listening to the PGD ATIS it stated; 'Due to rapidly changing field conditions. Contact PGD Tower for the most current weather'. I attempted to contact the PGD Tower and due to our distance from the airport was unable to hear PGD Tower transmissions. I decided to monitor PGD Tower frequency to hear once the flight had come into range of their transmissions. In the course of monitoring the PGD Tower frequency I heard a transmission from another Flight. Due to his altitude and position I could only hear the Flight's transmissions with the PGD TWR. I advised the Captain that the flight ahead was holding for PGD due to weather at the airport. I suggested to the Captain that we may want to slowdown to allow the weather in PGD time to dissipate. The Captain initially agreed and mentioned we would go to PIE; our alternate if the weather conditions do not permit us to land. It was at this time I programed [alternate airport] into the 'Fix Page' of the FMS for his reference and continued to monitor the PGD TWR frequency. The flight slowed to 250 KIAS for approximately 15 minutes when the Captain resumed normal speed. It was at this time I notified the Captain that the holding flight had diverted to [alternate] due to weather conditions in PGD.I continued to monitor and transmit to PGD TWR for the most current weather conditions but was not successful in hearing their transmissions until approximately 50 NM NNW of PGD. It took me 4 attempts before I was able to receive PGD TWR's transmission. The current weather at that time was 2 1/2 1000 SCT/3000 BKN/4900 OVC/ - RA BR TRW/WIND 05@10GUST19. It was at this time we completed the 'Approach Check' for the VOR runway 4 approach. Prior to commencing the VOR runway 4 approach; I contacted the PGD TWR for the latest weather at the airport. WIND 08/06 2 1/2 -RA BR TRW FEW 800/3900 SCT/4900 BKN. Weather conditions were rapidly improving at PGD upon our arrival. Once level at 3;000 MSL the flight encountered VMC conditions. As we passed over the PGD VOR; and cleared for the VOR 4 approach to PGD; I observed the airport to be VFR. Once established on the 202 outbound course; the Captain; the flying pilot; descended to 1;600 MSL. At approximately 5 NM SW of PGD we encountered moderate rain. Level at 1;600 MSL; established on course 202; the flight once again encountered VMC conditions; with inflight visibility 6+ NM at approximately 8 NM SW of PGD. Upon course reversal the Captain at this time stated he wanted to deviate left of course due to moderate rain on the final approach course for the VOR Runway 4. It was at this point; while on a left deviation; operating in VMC conditions PGD came into sight. The Captain elected to maintain a Northeasterly heading to maintain visual contact with the airport. Upon landing the PGD Tower asked what the inflight visibility was and I stated it was 6+ NM. PGD Tower stated while we were on final; the ASOS had reported 5 NM and VFR conditions.




Synopsis: Flight crew deviated off course while on VOR approach to maintain VMC conditions to the airport.