DCA Tower Controller reported a previously charted hot spot was omitted from the latest airport diagram and may have been a factor in an aircraft on an instrument approach approaching the wrong runway in marginal weather.
Synopsis
DCA Tower Controller reported a previously charted hot spot was omitted from the latest airport diagram and may have been a factor in an aircraft on an instrument approach approaching the wrong runway in marginal weather.
Narrative
Low ceilings and visibility obscured by clouds. Aircraft X was on an instrument approach to Runway 19. Another inbound checked in on frequency and I was clearing that aircraft to land when I scanned my radar and saw that Aircraft X was not where they would typically be if they were landing Runway 19. I assumed Aircraft X had never spotted the airport and was going around until I scanned out the window and saw Aircraft X at eye level approximately 200 feet heading towards Runway 15 instead. I immediately sent Aircraft X around and gave them go around instructions and they were able to make two more attempts at the approach and land safely later on that hour. Runway 19 and Runway 15 has historically been misidentified by flight crews. It is not an issue that can be solved or that will ever go away unless significant changes to the airport layout are made. That's not what I suggest. My concern is; the DCA airport diagram valid from 07 Sep 2023 to 05 Oct 2023 included Hot Spot #4 which was for flight crews misidentifying Runway 15 and Runway 19. In the latest airport diagram; this hot spot is completely gone. I am very involved in our facility safety. I participate in Local Safety Council and Runway Safety meetings. Not once did I ever hear any news or permissions or consultation on this hot spot being removed from the diagram. It needs to be added back in immediately on the next charting cycle.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.