Qantas jet forced down with potential wing flap problem

Melbourne, Jan.6 (ANI): Terrified passengers onboard a Qantas aircraft braced for a crash landing after being told by the pilot the plane had problems with its flight controls.

QF 430 took off from Melbourne Airport just after midday with 214 passengers onboard and was only minutes into its flight when the flight crew was alerted to a problem with the wing flaps.

Perth journalist Carina Buttner, who was travelling with her 17-year old son, told the Herald Sun some passengers onboard the Melbourne to Sydney flight assumed the crash position as the plane rapidly descended onto the tarmac.

"My son started making jokes about when your time is up, your time is up, but it might have been a bit more serious than anyone realised," she said.

"There were a few people when we landed who actually sat in the brace position so they were obviously a bit worried," she added.

The Boeing 767 landed safely back at Melbourne Airport 40 minutes after take-off. (ANI)