DCA Tower Controller reported an aircraft conducting the new approach lined up with Runway 15 instead of Runway 19. Since the new approach was implemented; the reporter stated there have been multiple instances of aircraft lining up for the wrong runway while on this approach. Air carrier First Officer reported going around after realizing the aircraft was mistakenly lined up for the wrong runway.
Synopsis
DCA Tower Controller reported an aircraft conducting the new approach lined up with Runway 15 instead of Runway 19. Since the new approach was implemented; the reporter stated there have been multiple instances of aircraft lining up for the wrong runway while on this approach. Air carrier First Officer reported going around after realizing the aircraft was mistakenly lined up for the wrong runway.
Narrative
Aircraft X was inbound and cleared to land Runway 19 roughly 8 miles out. Aircraft X was over Rosslyn when I observed them not making normal left-hand turn that lines them up on the modified base to final for Runway 19 as they can't make a straight-in over the White House. I inquired with Aircraft X if they were lining up for Runway 19 as they appeared to be lined up for [Runway] 15. Aircraft X then advised they were going around. I issued them a heading in accordance with our LOA (Letter of Agreement) with PCT and asked Aircraft X for the reason for the go-around before I transferred contact to PCT for resequencing. Aircraft X advised that they were in fact lined up for the wrong runway.This is the 4th instance since the implementation of the new approach that has lined up for the wrong runway that I have personally seen. This is the first time it has happened while I was working LC (Local Control). There is something seriously wrong with this approach that has the potential to cause a serious safety event on an active runway that we have to cross with approximately 90% of our departures in a south operation. I was told that Company has instructed their pilots not to fly the approach until proper training can take place which was said to be sometime in a few years.
Second reporter narrative
Cleared for LDA Runway 19 and was mistakenly lined up for Runway 15. Did a go-around and came back around for the Runway 19.Runway 15 is close proximity to 19.The LDA 19 into DCA is offset so extra due diligence on briefing and cross-checking this is essential.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.