David Blaine Flies Over Arizona Holding 52 Balloons

ARIZONA — David Blaine's latest stunt went off without a hitch Wednesday morning as the magician flew over Arizona's desert carried only by balloons.

"Ascension," Blaine's latest stunt, had the magician floating over the mountains of Page, Arizona, carried only by 52 helium-filled balloons. It was his first live broadcast stunt since 2012.

During the broadcast, which was exclusive to YouTube, Blaine called "Ascension" his "most ambitious and revolutionary feat yet."

He said he was inspired to do something for his 9-year-old daughter, Dessa, who came to Arizona with her father and was featured in the broadcast.

The three-hour event began just before 6 a.m. PST and spent time discussing the training and research that went into the stunt, with the magician finally taking flight about two hours in. Blaine eventually rose about 24,000 feet in the air before attaching a parachute to himself mid-flight and making his descent. His goal was originally 18,000 feet.

The stunt originally was set to take place over the Hudson River in New York City, but that plan was scrapped due to high winds in the area. Blaine announced Saturday on Twitter that he was moving the project to Arizona instead.

Due to the danger of the endeavor, Blaine worked with the Federal Aviation Administration to help ensure his safety. Final approvals were issued Tuesday.

"The FAA worked closely with David Blaine and his team to ensure that the proposed flight meets all regulatory requirements," a spokesperson previously told Patch. "The FAA will closely monitor the flight and will provide air traffic services as needed."

The YouTube project was sponsored by Verizon in the U.S. A spokesperson for YouTube said the event was exactly what the country needed right now.

"David Blaine will redefine magic once again by partnering with YouTube Originals for an unprecedented live event at a time when the world could use a positive distraction," the spokesperson told Patch.