Probe into AirAsia engine failure to take several months

Investigations have begun into an AirAsia flight that was forced to turn back to Perth when the aircraft started shaking.

AirAsia is investigating what happened on a flight forced to return to Perth after it began shaking. (AAP)

An investigation into engine failure on an AirAsia flight that was forced to turn back to Perth is expected to take several months.

Flight D7237 departed for Kuala Lumper on Sunday morning with 359 people on board and was about 90 minutes into the flight when the problem arose.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the flight crew onboard the Airbus A330 detected "moderate airframe vibrations" and the number one engine failed during cruise mode.

The aircraft could not maintain altitude and the plane returned to Perth.

"The ATSB will interview personnel involved and gather additional information," the bureau said in a statement on Monday.

"A report will be released within several months."

AirAsia said it was also conducting an investigation together with its engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce, and was cooperating fully with the ATSB.

"AirAsia Group has always strictly followed the maintenance program prescribed by our manufacturers," the company said.

"In Australia, AirAsia Group has regularly passed safety and security audits conducted by the local aviation authorities."

Passenger Sophie Nicolas described the terrifying ordeal, saying she could tell it was "really bad" judging by the cabin crew's reaction.

"He (the flight captain) said `I hope you all say a prayer, I will be saying a prayer too and let's hope we all get back home safely'," she told reporters on Sunday.

Video footage captured by a passenger shows the plane loudly vibrating and shaking after what passenger Brenton Atkinson said sounded like a small explosion.

"It was literally like you were sitting on top of a washing machine," he told ABC radio.