Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 440; Flight Crew Type 440
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Weather; Procedure; Human Factors; Chart Or Publication
I was expecting the ILS 28R circle to land Runway 10L approach at OAK. During the vectoring process I neglected to get the complete OAK ATIS. The part I did catch was scattered clouds at 900 and a broken layer at 2;500. I continued to anticipate the ILS 28R. I don't recall being asked my approach preference. The Controller cleared me for a VOR approach which I didn't fully grasp and readback cleared to the ILS 28R. This readback was not corrected. I was handed off to OAK Tower who then gave me a terrain alert. At this time I had visual contact with the surface and recognized the surroundings and made a visual approach. I erred in this flight by not maintaining SA; not getting the full ATIS; and allowing my anticipation to exclude the actual instruction given. This was an experience I will not repeat. In future I will make sure to get a complete report of terminal recorded information. In all communications with ATC I will be completely attentive to instructions given rather than anticipation of instructions/clearances. Also; I will be asking for clarification unless I clearly understand the instruction/clearance and not be hesitant about confirming my situational awareness.
An IFR C-172 pilot lost situational awareness and failed to understand and execute his approach clearance; ultimately becoming disoriented and receiving a low altitude alert from ATC at which point he gained visual contact with the airport and landed safely.