What happened
A DC9 was cleared to land on runway 8L. At the time of the approach, all passenger aircraft departing from the passenger terminal via runway 8R were required to cross the approach end of runway 8L. Approximately 1 minute and 10 seconds before the DC9 touched down, a heavy Boeing 747 crossed the approach end of runway 8L while en route to runway 8R.
The crew reported that the approach was initially stabilized at VREF plus 10 knots with a descent rate of 600 feet per minute. However, when the aircraft was at 50 feet above ground level over the approach end of the runway, the airspeed suddenly dropped to VREF and a high sink rate developed.
The flying pilot managed to arrest the descent rate by increasing power and adjusting the pitch attitude. During this maneuver, the pitch attitude exceeded the 10.4 degrees required to strike the ground. This resulted in the tail skid breaking off and causing damage to several internal members within the tail section of the aircraft.