Crocodile found roaming free in Qantas flight's cargo hold

A crocodile escaped from its container on a Qantas flight last week, and was found roaming free in the cargo hold when the plane touched down.

Qantas confirmed the large reptile had managed to break free during a flight from Brisbane to Melbourne, and was discovered by a baggage handler when he opened the cargo hold.

The roaming croc was quickly and safely captured without incident. In a statement, Qantas said Australian Air Express is investigating the how the crocodile managed to roam free in the aircraft's cargo hold.

"The investigation is focusing on whether it had been loaded appropriately on delivery to AaE (Australian air Express)," the statement said.