Approach and Landing Sequence
A regularly scheduled Federal Express (FedEx) domestic cargo flight arrived over Los Angeles from Memphis. The captain conducted a prelanding briefing for a visual approach to runway 07L at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The briefing included setting Vref speeds in accordance with company flight operations policy. The computed Vref speed for landing was 143 knots; the intended touchdown speed was 138 knots.
The pilot failed to maintain a stabilized approach. The airspeed decreased to 138 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) when crossing over the threshold. From that point, the airspeed continued to decelerate, reaching 122.3 knots at touchdown with a pitch attitude of 11.1 degrees.
Tail Strike Occurrence
At touchdown, the pitch attitude continued to increase until a tail strike occurred at a pitch attitude of 13.2 degrees. Digital flight data recorder (DFDR) data revealed that the captain relaxed the elevator control back pressure, but the action was not sufficient to prevent the tail strike.
Flight Manual Recommendations
The flight manual recommends that the pilot lower the nose upon touchdown to counteract the increase in pitch attitude due to ground spoiler activation.