Date: 201507
Local time of day: 0001-0600
Location: JFK.Airport, NY
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Dawn
Aircraft: Medium Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Initial Approach
Airspace: Class B JFK
ATC / advisory: Tower JFK
Aircraft component: Approach Coupler
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Situational Awareness; Human-Machine Interface; Distraction; Workload; Confusion
Second reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Air Traffic Control
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach; Flight Crew FLC Overrode Automation
Contributing factors: ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Human Factors
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: Inbound to JFK airport; crew was flying on an assigned heading after CAMRN waypoint. Assigned landing runway was 13L with the VOR Rwy 13L/R procedure (23-3). We were cleared next to ASALT to intercept the VOR radial. CA and FO (PF) did setup/ brief the approach following company SOPs. Plan was to use automation for this approach; when FO pressed the NAV button to intercept the approach course; the NAV function didn't engage/didn't arm. CA as a PM offered to try again and pressed the NAV button again with no effect. FO as PF hand flew the airplane at that time tracking the inbound radial. FO and CA briefly discussed about the issue with the NAV function and attempted to troubleshoot the issue. FO started looking outside for visual cues of the airport to mentally prepare for the transition between the instrument approach procedure and the visual flight path for a landing on runway 13L. CA and FO noticed a pronounced haze and sun rise obstructing the forward visibility and both CA and FO were only able to visually acquire the field until just outside of DMYHL. Although CA and FO briefed the approach to a landing on runway 13L; crew turned towards runway 13R. Very shortly after turn was initiated; ATC (Tower) instructed the crew to execute a go around. Crew executed a go around. Altitude and heading were assigned as part of missed approach instructions. Shortly after; the crew was assigned runway 22L for landing. Crew completed the approach on runway 22L to a safe landing. Upon exiting the runway; ATC (Tower) instructed the crew to call them at the gate.CA in a timely manner called the Tower and put his cellphone on speaker so FO could hear the conversation as well. CA had at that point a brief; amiable; exchange with ATC personnel. Crew didn't mention to them the system malfunction which led to distraction of both CA and FO during the approach. ATC personnel mentioned that the approach lights were not illuminated and no further question from ATC led to end of phone call. CA immediately entered the NAV malfunction in the log; maintenance was notified right away; and upon arrival Maintenance crew deferred the NAV button.


Second narrative: [Report narrative contained no additional information].


Synopsis: While on the JFK VOR 13L Approach; the crew turned towards Runway 13R and was instructed to go around by ATC. Contributing factors were: hazy visibility at sunrise; sun in the eyes; autopilot lateral guidance did not arm; and the approach lights were not turned on for Runway 13L.