A British university student has reportedly fallen to her death after opening a plane-door mid-flight.

Local media report 19-year-old Alana Cutland was on an internship in Madagascar.

They say Cutland suffered from severe 'paranoia attacks' in the days before the flight, and opened the door on board the Cessna light aircraft.

A fellow passenger tried to pull her back, but she fell from 1130 metres above sea level.

Her family describe her as "kind and supportive" and say their daughter was excited to be working on the small African island.