CRJ900 pilot crew reported receiving a lower altitude from ATC while on the approach and then an aircraft generated terrain warning.
Synopsis
CRJ900 pilot crew reported receiving a lower altitude from ATC while on the approach and then an aircraft generated terrain warning.
Narrative
From ZZZ1 to ZZZ. I was pilot monitoring and we were talking with Approach; receiving step down altitudes and expecting the ILS XX. The MSA to the southeast of ZZZ [VOR] was 2000 and to the northwest was 4900. While in IMC towards the east of the airport; Approach requested we descend to 2000ft. I had been to this airport only once last year. I was surprised by the altitude requested but was not the most familiar with the airport and assumed they did this often. As we descended below the clouds we seemed lower than usual but in an area to the east of the terrain. Right as we were given a heading to fly for intercepting the final approach course; we received a terrain; pull up warning. At this point we were not descending and I believe the warning was due to the terrain towards the west of the field. We were in visual conditions at this point. We never received a low altitude alert from ATC. The approach was continued visually to a normal landing. Tower was later queried as to whether Approach typically descends aircraft to 2000ft while being vectored for this approach. He responded that he could not comment on the intentions of the Approach Controller.Cause: We accepted a clearance from the Approach Controller to descend below the MSA.Suggestions: We could have declined a clearance to an altitude below the MSA. Approach could also avoid clearing aircraft to an altitude that could be too low.
Second reporter narrative
850ft 13 miles out. We were traveling from ZZZ1 to ZZZ. We were being vectored for a downwind for Runway XX approximately 5 miles abeam the airport. Approaching the downwind we were cleared from ATC to descend from 6000ft to 2000ft. When cleared to 2000ft my First Officer and I looked at each other because that seemed low given the terrain in the area. As we were descending I looked; again; at the MSA and noticed it was 2000ft from the ZZZ VOR just Northwest of the field; but didn't really apply to our position. I assumed this was a normal" minimum vectoring altitude. The weather at our altitude was clear and calm. As we were vectored for a base turn I noticed that we would pass directly over a large "hill"/small mountain. I determined that we would clear the hill/mountain; but was not confident that we would clear it by 1000ft or more. Just as we passed over the hill/mountain; we were vectored to intercept the final approach course for Runway XX. About that same time we received a Ground Proximity alert. As I was already weary of the hill and obstacles; I was confident that we weren't going to come into contact with any obstacles or terrain as we had already cleared the hill/mountain and the terrain was much lower. We continued the approach and landed. After landing I asked Tower Control if it was normal to be cleared to 2000ft so far out. Tower Control declined to answer or engage in the question. Cause: ATC mistakenly clearing us to lower altitude."
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.