SINGAPORE, Oct 29 — A Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight from Melbourne to Changi was forced to turn back today after experiencing a technical issue shortly after take-off.

According to The Straits Times, flight tracking site Flightradar24 showed the aircraft departing Melbourne Airport at about 4.50pm local time before circling north of the city and returning roughly an hour later.

Australian media outlets reported that the Boeing 777 landed safely and taxied to the gate without incident.

“Shortly after take-off, the flight made the decision to return to Melbourne Airport due to a technical issue,” a Melbourne Airport spokesperson told 7News. 

“The plane landed under normal conditions before taxiing safely to the gate.”

Eyewitnesses told local radio station 3AW that the aircraft was seen flying unusually low over Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

“It just flew over our house so low, you could see the wheels down. I waved at the passengers — it was scary,” said a caller named Sam.

Another caller said the aircraft appeared to be dumping fuel as it turned back toward the airport.

Several videos posted on social media showed the SIA plane flying with white trails streaming from its wings. One Facebook user speculated that the issue involved a problem with the landing gear.

Singapore Airlines has not yet issued a statement on the incident.