The State - News from April 26, 1988

Marine Corps safety experts launched an investigation into the crash of an F/A-18 jet fighter during a “routine” loop maneuver at an air show in Orange County on Sunday. The condition of the pilot, Marine Col. Jerry Cadick, 45, was upgraded to serious but stable following surgery at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo. Marine spokesman Maj. Stan Gould said the wreckage of the $23-million fighter had been placed in a hangar at the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro and was being inspected by a five-member Aircraft Mishap Board. The F/A-18 crashed in front of more than 200,000 spectators at the El Toro air show when the jet’s tail touched the ground while completing a wide loop.