Air carrier crew executed a go-around after observing two aircraft that appeared to be taxiing across their landing runway at the far end. Neither pilot realized there was a taxiway that ATC utilized for access to the parallel runway and recommended a reference to this being communicated to pilots.
Synopsis
Air carrier crew executed a go-around after observing two aircraft that appeared to be taxiing across their landing runway at the far end. Neither pilot realized there was a taxiway that ATC utilized for access to the parallel runway and recommended a reference to this being communicated to pilots.
Narrative
Landing 27R at PHL; it had been a while since I had landed there. We briefed the approach like normal. I was Pilot Flying. It was my first trip off IOE; having transitioned from Aircraft Y to Aircraft X. During final approach I noticed two aircraft which appeared to be crossing the runway towards the end. I pointed this out to my Captain; stating that it looked like airplanes were crossing the runway. He looked outside and agreed. I couldn't remember if there was a taxiway at the end of the runway or not and we did not have time to look it up; so I went around. We were vectored around quickly by ATC to conduct the same approach with no issues.I should have briefed the existence of the taxiway at the end of the runway. Both the Captain and I have flown into PHL many times over the years and neither of us remember landing with airplanes taxiing on that taxiway during landing. There is no information or explanation warning about it in the briefing and we received no warning from Tower that this would be the case either. I would recommend the addition of a note referencing this taxiway and the possibility that ATC may utilize it while aircraft are landing Runway 27R.
Second reporter narrative
During the final phase of landing on runway 27R at PHL; while in the flare; the FO noted two aircraft appearing to cross the departure end of the landing runway. It was unclear if these aircraft were actually on the active runway or on the taxiway located just past the departure end. Taking the safer; more conservative course of action; she elected to go around. We then entered the downwind pattern and landed uneventfully. This landing resulted in us landing with 47 minutes of fuel. The weather was clear and traffic into PHL was not excessive. We were not delayed in our return to land.Cause: The close proximity of the taxiway just beyond the departure end of runway 27R led to uncertainty as where exactly the two aircraft were-on the taxiway or crossing an active runway.Suggestions: Difficult to say if anything short of moving the taxiway further from the departure end of the runway could be of help. Now that we have both experienced this situation; we will be aware of it in the future and if in doubt as to the location of an aircraft in the same position; will seek clarification earlier with tower.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.