B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Physiological - Other; Distraction; Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
ATC was vectoring us for a visual approach to 8L in MIA. He asked us to report it as soon as possible as we were fairly close to the field. The Captain soon after reported the field in sight. I was pilot flying and did not have the field in sight. However; I did have the RNAV approach set up. The controller cleared us for the visual; [and] then gave us a heading momentarily; recleared us for the approach and asked if we wanted 8R. The Captain accepted. I still did not have the airport in sight as the sun was in our eyes and it was extremely hazy. The Captain went heads down to set up the approach for the right side. As he did that I lost course guidance. A runway was coming into view in front of me; so I went visual. As we got closer I saw the tower to my left and the runway was not 8R/8L; but 9 and a taxiway. I alerted the Captain and we subsequently executed a go around and landed uneventfully.I really wish; especially when I'm flying; that the Captains not report the field in sight until I have it in sight. In the future; I will ask the Captain in the approach briefing to not to report the field until I have it in sight. I will also be more assertive in declining a visual approach if conditions become questionable.
A B737-800 First Officer related the loss of situational awareness that occurred when his Captain; the pilot not flying; advised Tower the field was in sight when he the pilot flying (PF) did not. A subsequent runway change with the field still not in sight by the PF resulted in a go-around.