Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 4.2
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Human Factors
Aircraft X was inbound from the east assigned 36R by LC (Local Control.) A flight of 4 was inbound for the overhead maneuver 36L. The controller working LC called the flight traffic out to Aircraft X; but misidentified their landing runway as 18L. Being CIC (Controller In Charge) as well as GC (Ground Control); I pointed out the mistake. LC keyed up and said 'Correction; that's 36L.' I knew this was ambiguous and watched final in case Aircraft X misunderstood and lined up for the wrong runway. When the last flight aircraft joined final for 36L out of the overhead; I thought it might be Aircraft X because he was still distant and also a low wing aircraft. When I asked LC if it was Aircraft X lined up for the wrong runway; he replied that it was not. I then turned my attention to briefing the next controller for GC and CIC. A bit later; I found out that during the briefing Aircraft X did in fact line up for the wrong runway after the flight landed; and had initiated a go around because LC had placed another aircraft on the runway in front of him.Despite knowing the situation required extra attention; I trusted that LC would watch and handle it after I brought attention to the possibility. I could have delayed the briefing and monitored the situation through its end. However; as a tower team member responsible for several other areas of the operation; I also feel there are limits to the amount attention that can or should be given to other positions. I did have a conversation with that controller afterward and pointed out where the ambiguity came from.
NEW Tower Controller reported that due to transmission ambiguity an aircraft lined up for the incorrect runway; causing a potential runway incursion; and go-around.