Flight Crew Last 90 Days 270; Flight Crew Total 26000; Flight Crew Type 12000
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
[We were] descending into LAS via the SUNST3 Arrival. [We] were given clearance to descend to 5;500 FT after SUNST. After crossing SUNST at 8;000 FT and 210 KTS [we] descended to 5;500 FT. Number 1 Com was on 135.0. Number 2 Com was on 121.5. Around KIMME Intersection noticed it was quiet for Approach and terrain was rising ahead. Heard call on Guard (121.5) to make immediate left turn heading 350 and IDENT. [We] complied with request and Captain called Approach on 135.0 as well. We never heard our call sign while at 5;500 FT. At that altitude you are behind a hill and below the 8;000 FT segment MEA. On a dark stormy night without visual conditions; the outcome could be catastrophic. It is my belief that we lost ATC contact due to low vectoring altitude.
Air carrier aircraft on the SUNST3 STAR into LAS experienced radio communications difficulties. The reporter noted that contact was lost because of the ATC vectoring altitude.