Who was Alana Cutland? Cambridge University student who jumped from a plane in Madagascar

TRIBUTES have been paid to Alana Cutland, who plunged to her death from a plane in Madagascar while on a research trip.

But who was the Cambridge University student and why did she jump? Here’s what we know.

Who was Alana Cutland?

Alana Cutland, 19, was a Cambridge University student from Milton Keynes.

The teenager was studying natural sciences at Robinson College and was on an internship on the African island at the time of her death.

Colonel D’y La Paix Ralaivaonary said Ms Cutland had been frustrated and “disappointed” with her research project, and deemed it a failure as soon as she arrived.

On July 25, 2019, Ms Cutland forced open a plane door and leapt 3,500ft to her death.

She fell from the Cessna light aircraft during a flight back from a remote lodge where she was studying a rare species of crabs.

It emerged Alana may have suffered hallucinations due to a reaction to anti-malaria tablets. 

Investigators said the student suffered five “paranoia attacks” while on the “failed” research trip which she funded herself.

Alana is understood to have fought off fellow passenger, Brit tourist Ruth Johnson, who had battled for several minutes to try to keep her in the aircraft.

The tiny propeller plane was rocking through the air as Ruth – the only other passenger – and the pilot grappled on to Alana’s leg in a bid to stop her death plunge.

But local cops said the 19-year-old managed to free herself from their “exhausted” grip high above the paradise Indian Ocean island, before falling into the wild savannah below.

Chief Nomenjahary told how they had recreated the horrifying flight after taking statements from Ms Johnson and the pilot.

Alana’s body is believed to have been found in a rural area on August 6, cops have now confirmed.

What has the pilot said?

The pilot who tried to stop a British student leaping out of his plane told how he “had to let her go”.

Mahefa Tahina Rantoanina, 33, and a passenger clung to Alana Cutland before she leapt to her death.

The devastated pilot told how the British student said nothing as he tried to stop her leaping to her death from his plane.

Mahefa Tahina Rantoanina was flying a light aircraft at 3,500ft over Madagascar when  Alana Cutland suddenly opened the door.

He and the only other passenger, Alana’s friend Ruth Johnson, 51, battled for five minutes to try and prevent her plunge before she slipped from their grasp.

Close to tears, Mahefa, 33, described how, eerily, the teenager stayed “completely silent” throughout the struggle on his Cessna 182.

He told The Sun: “I had just taken off and I was still climbing when all of a sudden there was a rush of wind and Ruth started screaming.

“I turned round and saw Alana hanging out of my plane.

“I immediately levelled the aircraft to try and keep us on course, then I reached over and held the door.
“I was trying to pull it shut while Ruth was holding on to Alana’s leg.

“The plane stayed level, there was no rocking but it was very noisy from the wind.

“I was trying to fly and stop her from falling at the same time. I was absolutely terrified, we all were.

“Ruth and I were shouting at her to come back inside the plane.

“But for the whole time Alana did not say a word she just struggled to get away from us.

“I have no idea why she opened the door but she did. She opened the door and she jumped. The door did not open itself.”

Mahefa, who has been a pilot with Madagascar Trans Air for 13 years, said Alana “looked a little sick” as she and Ruth boarded his plane.

He added: “She also said she had a headache but I didn’t make anything out if it at the time.”

What was her psychotic episode?

Police in Madagascar are probing the theory Alana had a psychotic episode caused by anti-malaria tablets.

Sources said Alana was distressed in the days before her death.

A friend said Alana sounded upset in a final call to her mum, telling her in broken speech moments before take-off: “Me, plane, home.”

Local police told The Sun she had also suffered five “paranoia attacks” while in the country.

Anti-malaria drugs such as Lariam, known as mefloquine, have known side-effects such as psychosis, suicidal thoughts, depression and hallucinations.

What have Alana’s family said?

In a statement released through the Foreign Office last week, Ms Cutland’s family said they were heartbroken at the death of “a bright, independent young woman”.

“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,” they said.

Dr David Woodman, from Robinson College, said they were “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,” he said.