Balloon pilot reported a wind shift during final approach had pushed the balloon closer to obstructions on the ground than intended. The pilot rejected the landing and safely landed at another location.

Date: 2022-03 · Aircraft: Balloon · Phase: approach

Anomalies: conflict-ground-conflict|critical|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|inflight-event-encounter-weather-turbulence

Synopsis

Balloon pilot reported a wind shift during final approach had pushed the balloon closer to obstructions on the ground than intended. The pilot rejected the landing and safely landed at another location.

Narrative

I was on my final approach to a landing site south of the construction site. The wind velocity when I began my approach to the landing site was less than 3 mph. As I approached the construction site; I maintained an altitude of not less than approximately 30 ft. above all obstacles including the crane. At about the time I was over the crane. Once I cleared the site; I descended to my intended landing site and the wind died; then reversed; taking me back to the [site] at a very slow rate and I had to abort my intended landing. I ascended and found a layer of wind that eventually allowed me to land west of [landmark]; approximately 1/2 mile away. At no time did I endanger any person or property and my flight profile was altered while on my final approach to a landing site because the wind simply died then shifted direction. I have flown in this area for several years and while changing winds are common; I was not expecting to be becalmed or experience a wind reversal while on my final approach. I will try to remain 500 ft. above the construction site and keep in mind this area while choosing landing fields.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.