B737-800
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 369
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Human Factors
We were descending into BNA on the RYYMN 2 Arrival. ATIS said landing north. We had thoroughly briefed the arrival and approach to the northerly runways. We were given a late change to Runway 31 as we descended into moderate icing. We broke out at about 4000 feet as we intercepted the Localizer and were cleared for the approach to BNA Runway 31. We saw a very well-lit runway much closer than we expected which looked somewhat like BNA Rwy 31. We saw no other airports anywhere. I began to align the aircraft and descend for the runway we saw. All the while; the instruments were giving us doubts. After a few seconds; I decided to go around. As we were vectored around for another try; we realized what had happened; as have you; no doubt. We assumed the well-lit airport we saw was BNA; while it was actually Smyrna; MQY. We then executed an uneventful approach to and landing at BNA.The instruments seldom lie. Trust them. Additionally; I have read reports of other pilots doing exactly what we did. Maybe approach could mention the proximity of MQY as a caution.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
B737-800 flight crew reported momentarily mistaking MQY Runway 31 for BNA Runway 31 on an instrument approach to BNA.