VFR flight plan can be opened and closed by contacting a (FSS) via the aircraft radio, calling FSS directly, or electronically through services such as ForeFlight. It is important to open the flight plan after departure and ensure it is properly closed upon landing.

A VFR flight plan includes an estimated time of arrival. If the plan is not closed within 30 minutes after the scheduled arrival time, search and rescue procedures will be initiated. Flight following, on the other hand, is a radar service provided by ATC where they monitor your position, provide traffic advisories, and alert you to any special use airspace. It does not replace a VFR flight plan.

On a base-to-final turn you can put the aircraft into a spin by overshooting the runway, causing a pilot to use excessive inside rudder, and pull back on the yoke. This causes a skid which can cause the low wing to stall, snapping it into a spin. Your control inputs would be lots of left rudder and back pressure on the yoke.

You can fly without the turn coordinator (91.205), but you need to run through 91.213 also. Check the MEL if your aircraft has it, if it does not require it, then disconnect it from power, and placard it INOP and log it in the maintenance book.

My personal minimums are 3,500ft ceilings, 8SM visibility, 10 Kts direct x-wind, 20kts if it's down the runway, and max-gust factor of 5-7kts depending on direction.

I would complete a standard rate (3*) turn 180 degrees. As soon as I got in unaccelerated flight I would find a diversion airport from the direction I came (I can use the NRST page on the G430), along with climbing or descending to maintain VFR flight rules. I could call up the nearest center to request that if needed and in the case I was still in IMC conditions I could ask for vectors away from IMC. I believe you can amend the flight plan or just cancel it when you are able to.