Balloon
Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 94; Flight Crew Total 1019.3; Flight Crew Type 1019.3
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Weather
I was carrying 6 passengers and one Student Pilot. After using helium balloons to determine wind direction; we planned to travel about 7 miles and land at [a predetermined] field. Shortly after takeoff; the wind speed picked up from 5 mph to 18-24mph between ground level and 3000 feet. The direction had changed as well. With these wind speeds; I was unable to safely land the balloon in our routine flight corridor due to lining up with trees; boulders; streets or power lines on my first couple of landing attempts. At this time; I elected to land in the large fields [near an] airport. These fields were 13-16 miles further east than the originally planned landing sites. After the decision to climb over 3000 feet MSL; I tried to establish radio communication with the airport Tower. My radio did not have a charge. I instructed the Student Pilot to search his cell phone for a phone number to the airport. He tried several phone numbers and could not get a hold of anyone. He was unable to retrieve the 1-800 number for Approach on his cell phone search. My concern was on flying the balloon and navigating my passengers to a safe field to land. I was constantly scanning for a field large enough to deflate the balloon in 18-22mph wind while avoiding power lines; boulders; trees and other objects. We safely landed in a field. I had entered the Class D airspace without radio communication and committed a pilot deviation. I had tried my best to make contact with the Tower but after a few failed attempts on my end my attention was focused on the flying and navigation of the hot air balloon to land my passengers and myself safely. In the future; I will double check that the aircraft radio is in working order before flight
Hot air balloon pilot reported a change in the wind direction and velocity required a new landing spot. After being unable to contact ATC for clearance; the only option was to enter and land with Class D airspace.