Tributes have been paid to a 'talented' university student who died after a horror fall from a plane while on a research trip to Madagascar.
It's thought that Alana Cutland, 19, fell from the Cessna-type light aircraft shortly after takeoff.
A major search was immediately launched to trace the Cambridge University student, however her body has not yet been recovered.
Local police said that she was travelling back from her research base in the remote area of Anjajavy, a isolated northern region of the Indian Ocean nation, as the Mirror reports.
It's thought Cutland, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, was with a pilot and one other passenger when the tragedy struck.
The accident happened earlier this month as her plane flew above the Madagascar savannah.
Cutland's devastated family gave paid tribute to the second year Natural Science student, who was undertaking an internship in her subject when she died.
A statement read: “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 complimenting her studies in Natural Sciences."
The statement continued: “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 Cambridge University, added: "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."
