Alaska 737 hydroplanes and aborts takeoff at PDX (read description for more info)

1:25 for start of hydroplane
I happened to be on this flight going to Orlando from Portland. Winds were sustained at 20mph with 45-50mph gusts, rain coated the airport. We we’re already holding on the tarmac waiting for the winds to calm down as several other aircraft were as well. The wind itself was shaking the aircraft. Finally after 10 minutes of waiting we got permission to take off. We lined up just before the landing thresh hold and then throttled up. About 7 seconds later the whole aircraft shook and started drift off to the left side of the runway. The pilot immediately throttled down and put in the brakes while the reverse thrusters kicked in seconds later. We pulled off at the landing threshold. We then taxied back to where we were before and stayed their for awhile, the engines were shut off to preserve fuel and the APU was activated. About a hour later we successfully took off. It was suspected that a gust could have caused the hydroplane to start however once the reverse thrusters kicked in, it pushed enough water away to the point where the airplane settled back onto the runway. Credit to the crew for acting fast and gaining control of the aircraft fast.
Also seen is a private jet landing in those strong winds.

[@dougscott4840]

are you coming to Sun City? Trains will be running 12/30 in the afternoon

[@dougscott4840]

WOW!! I would want to get off immediately!!