Air carrier flight crew reported they were issued a Low Altitude Alert from ATC after beginning to descend on the approach.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported they were issued a Low Altitude Alert from ATC after beginning to descend on the approach.
Narrative
CA - PF;FO - PM. Weather at ZZZ Airport 6500/10nm.Inbound to ZZZZZ; ZZZ Approach cleared us to descend to 7000; cross ZZZZZ at 7000 feet and cleared the RNAV VISUAL Rwy XXL.We crossed ZZZZZ at 7000 had the RNAV VISUAL XXL loaded up and checked and started down on the approach. We crossed ZZZZZ1 at 6000 feet and the electronic glideslope showed us on the correct descent path. Passing ZZZZZ1 and descending through 6000 feet; ZZZ Approach called us and said we were assigned 7000 feet and were giving a low altitude alert. He stopped our descent at 6000 feet. We needed to climb about 100 feet back to 6000 feet. This also caused us to show high on the visual approach glideslope. Shortly after this; ZZZ approach cleared us to descend and recleared us the RNAV VISUAL Rwy XXL. After an autopilot off correction back to glideslope; we descended normally and stabilized for an uneventful landing. Cause: We thought ZZZ Approach had cleared us for the RNAV visual once we passed ZZZZZ. Judging from how he reacted; he hadn't. I was surprised to hear we had set off an altitude alert when; according to the approach information displayed on the screens in front of me; we were right on course and glideslope. Suggestions: Clearer approach clearance from the controller.
Second reporter narrative
CA - PF; FO - PM. Weather at ZZZ Airport 6500/10nm.In the descent after handoff from ZZZ Center; checked in with current ATIS at ZZZ Airport. ZZZ Approach cleared us to descend to 7000 feet; cross ZZZZZ at 7000 feet and cleared the RNAV VISUAL Rwy XXL. Crossing ZZZZZ at 7000 then descending on path through 6500 feet ZZZ Approach called us and said we were assigned 7000 feet and were giving a low altitude alert. He stopped our descent and said maintain 6000 feet. This required a climb of about 100 feet back to 6000 feet. We were now high on path; but were cleared again shortly after for RNAV VISUAL XXL. A correction was required to get back to glide path and autopilot was disconnected. A subsequent normal and stabilized approach to landing was completed. Cause: Communication on assigned clearance.Suggestions: Clarification on clearance after read back; since approach was on path but gave a low altitude alert.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.