Air taxi flight crew reported while flying a visual approach to an uncontrolled airport receiving a low altitude from ATC resulting in flight towards terrain. The flight crew had the airport and terrain in sight during the approach.
Synopsis
Air taxi flight crew reported while flying a visual approach to an uncontrolled airport receiving a low altitude from ATC resulting in flight towards terrain. The flight crew had the airport and terrain in sight during the approach.
Narrative
Coming into ZZZ We were on with ZZZ Approach. We made it known that we were planning the visual approach backed up by the ILS. Given the weather conditions forecasted. ATC replied that we would have to do the Arc as vectors were not permissible due to terrain. As we got closer; we were monitoring ZZZ CTAF freqency and heard that the traffic in the pattern were using runway XX. We advised ATC that we are now planning the straight in visual to runway XX. ATC responded with a descent down to 12000 feet and to change over to advisory frequency. We were in visual conditions and had the airport in sight at this time. We changed over to advisory frequency and began the visual descent into Runway XX. We were still monitoring ZZZ Center at that time. After we began our visual descent to runway XX we heard ZZZ Center approach say 'Aircraft X are you still here? Low altitude Alert; low altitude Alert' We switch back and let them know we did hear them; and we were clear of all obstacles and were visual to runway XX. We went back to advisory frequency and proceeded to land normally and visually. In order to fix this issue going forward; I will confirm that we are cleared for some sort of approach before we continue inbound or transitioning to advisory.
Second reporter narrative
Coming into ZZZ; was on with ZZZ Approach. We made it known that we were planning the visual approach backed by ILS XX. Given forecasted WX. ATC stated that we would have to do the Arc as vectors to final was not an option due to terrain. We got closer and airplanes in the pattern were using runway XY. We advised ATC that we are now planning the visual to Runway XY as the aircraft on the CTAF were in the pattern for runway XY. ATC responded with a descent down to 12000 and to transition over to advisory. We read that back and changed to advisory frequency at ZZZ; while still monitoring center. We got the runway and airport in sight and began our visual descent and approach to runway XY. Shortly after that; on ZZZ center radio; 'Aircraft X are you still here? Low altitude alert; low altitude alert.' We switched back and let them know we heard them and have the runway insight and are clear of all obstacles.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.