Incident Details
A flying pilot reported that the existing wind information differed from the planned wind information, leading to a circle-to-land approach on runway 25. The downwind leg and turn to final were normal, with the airplane on speed and 'in the slot'. According to the final approach checklist, the pilot armed the spoilers for deployment upon main wheel touchdown.
Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced. The pilot stated that he increased the pitch attitude of the airplane to soften the second touchdown. On the second touchdown, a flight attendant heard a loud bang in the aft section of the airplane.
Post-Flight Inspection
A post-flight inspection revealed damage to the tail skid area on the underside of the airplane.
Flight Manual Information
According to the flight manual, the deployment of ground spoilers induces a 2-degree pitch up and increases the sink rate of the aircraft, therefore contributing to a higher pitch angle that can result in tail strikes. In the American Airlines A300 operating manual under touchdown, it states that 'no attempt should be made to hold the airplane off by further increase in attitude.'
Flight Data Recorder Data
According to the flight data recorder, the pitch attitude reached a maximum of 11.78 degrees, which occurred when the airplane touched down for the second time. The tail strike pitch attitude is 11.4 degrees.