Passenger Opens Aircraft Door Mid-Air, Allegedly Jumps To Death After Overpowering Co-Traveler

A 19-year-old Cambridge University student died after she opened the door of a light aircraft and jumped.

Alana Cutland was returning from a remote region in northern Madagascar when she overpowered a co-passenger and jumped from the aircraft on July 25. She had gone to the region to study crabs as part of a project she funded herself. The pilot of the aircraft held onto the girl’s leg in order to prevent her from jumping. However, the pilot lost the grip and the girl jumped. A search operation was launched but the body was not recovered as of Wednesday.

In a statement Wednesday, local police said, “The Cessna C168 aircraft was taking off from Anjajavy with three people aboard, including Ms. Johnson (co-passenger), Alana and the pilot. 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.”

Officials said they read through her documents and believe she may have been suffering from mental health issues related to studies. They were now working to find out the exact circumstances surrounding her death.

Paying tribute to the Cutland, her family said, “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,” the family’s statement added.