P50 and PHX Tower Controller describe go around event that was initially caused by a confused landing runway assignment and further complicated by heading confusion involving the go around and other departure aircraft.
Synopsis
P50 and PHX Tower Controller describe go around event that was initially caused by a confused landing runway assignment and further complicated by heading confusion involving the go around and other departure aircraft.
Narrative
Aircraft X was being sequenced to Runway 7R behind Air Carrier Y. Aircraft X reported Air Carrier Y in sight. I instructed Aircraft X to fly heading 050 to join final; follow Air Carrier Y; and cleared the aircraft for a visual approach to Runway 7R. The aircraft acknowledged the clearance. I then switched communications of Aircraft X to PHX Tower. About 2 minutes later I noticed that Aircraft X did not land; but was making a go-around. When Aircraft X checked on my frequency I asked the reason for the go-around. The pilot responded that he was cleared for the wrong runway. I told him that my recollection was that he was cleared for visual approach to Runway 7R; following Air Carrier Y ahead of him. The pilot said that he thought he was cleared for Runway 7L. I then recalled that the Tower had moved Air Carrier Y from Runway 7R to Runway 7L; and since Aircraft X was cleared to follow Air Carrier Y; this was probably the source of confusion for Aircraft X. Recommendation; the Tower would probably want to consider re-emphasizing the runway assignment to Aircraft X. Since I have no access to the Tower frequencies; I don't know that the Tower did not in fact do that.
Second reporter narrative
I was arriving in the tower cab at the time that Aircraft X was going around. The Local South Controller seemed unsure as to what to do. I advised the Controller that we send go arounds on a 110 heading and climb to 4;000. At that point; the Controller told me that he had another aircraft that had just departed on a 110 heading. I advised the Controller that he better start coordinating to pry those aircraft apart. I did not know that the Local Controller had cleared a LGT(Large Transport) for departure and it was going to conflict. The FLM on duty yelled out for the controller to turn the LGT to a 060 heading to pry the three aircraft apart. At some point; the Controller turned Aircraft X to a 110 heading without coordination. Recommendation; I feel that P50 and PHX ATCT need to have specific headings and altitudes for all go arounds. Currently our LOA states that it will be coordinated on an individual basis. However; most Controllers use the standard 040; 110; 220; 290 headings and climbing to 4000 feet for the coordination.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.