While coming in for a landing, his plane collided with another plane. Nine of the Fleming crew died instantly. The radio operation died 11 days later.



The Fleming Replacement Crew arrived during the later part of July. After a brief orientation they were assigned to the 859th BS, designated as Crew 901. By our count the Fleming Crew flew 2 missions. We believe that the entire crew was on both of the missions. Their second mission turned fatal. Their ship was battle-damaged, yet able to return to England. Apparently Fleming's only thought was landing as soon as he reached base. The Pitsenbarger Crew was already cleared and coming in for an emergency landing when Fleming came in right on top of them. The two aircraft clipped wings on the runway and crashed. Nine of the Fleming Crew and one of Pitsenbarger's men were immediately killed in what became the worst crash in North Pickenham's history. Perhaps the best account of what happened can be found in an article written by Russell Ives published in the HAPPY WARRIOR. His piece entitled 'A Replacement Crew' is an overall story about the Pitsenbarger Crew R-26. Ives' research is well done as it supplies many details. We have the story reprinted on this website. See its link under Stories at right. The crew was buried at the American Cemetery at Cambridge. After the war most of the bodies were brought back to the US by their families.