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A plane passenger fought a desperate five-minute battle to stop Cambridge University student Alana Cutland falling to her death from a plane in Madagascar, police have said.

Ms Cutland, 19, from Milton Keynes, was said to be on board with fellow British tourist Ruth Robinson and a pilot when she forced open the door.

Local officer Sinola Nomenjahary told the Sun: “After 10 minutes of flight, Alana undid her seatbelt and unlocked the right door of the plane and tried to get out.

“Ms Johnson fought for five minutes trying to hold her, but when she was exhausted and out of breath she let go.”

The officer said the aircraft had been 1,130 metres above sea level when she fell on Thursday last week.

Ms Cutland had been on an internship in Madagascar. She was reported to have been flying back from a research trip studying a rare species of crabs when she fell from the plane.

She has been remembered by her family as a "bright, independent young woman" who had a "thirst for discovering more of the world".

Family members said the second-year student "grasped every opportunity that was offered to her with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure" and was in Madagascar to complement her studies in natural sciences.

In a statement released through the Foreign Office, her family paid tribute saying: "Our daughter Alana was a bright, independent young woman, who was loved and admired by all those that knew her.

"She was always so kind and supportive to her family and friends, which resulted in her having a very special connection with a wide network of people from all walks of her life, who we know will miss her dearly.

"Alana grasped every opportunity that was offered to her with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure, always seeking to extend her knowledge and experience in the best ways possible.

"She was particularly excited to be embarking on the next stage of her education, on an internship in Madagascar complementing her studies in natural sciences.

"Alana was also a talented dancer and embraced the more creative side of her talents with joy and commitment.

"Her thirst for discovering more of the world always ensured she made the most of every second of her action-packed young life.

"We are heartbroken at the loss of our wonderful, beautiful daughter, who lit up every room she walked in to, and made people smile just by being there."

Dr David Woodman, of Robinson College, Cambridge University, said in a statement: "Robinson College is deeply shocked by the news of Alana's death. In her two years here, she made a huge contribution to many different aspects of life in the college.

"She will be sorely missed by us all. The college extends its sincerest condolences to Alana's family at this extremely difficult time."

Ms Cutland was involved in the yoga and mindfulness society at the college, according to its website.

The internship is understood to have been undertaken privately and was not a Cambridge University study trip.