EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
Amarillo Approach advised the Tower that he had a low altitude warning and advised the Tower to instruct us to climb while preparing for an approach to RWY 13 AMA.During the approach phase; Approach advised we could expect an approach to RWY 22 AMA; but we requested 13 due to wind and previously setting up for that runway. The request for 13 was approved and we were given direct WEGES.While in level flight at 7;000 feet; approach instructed us to 'Cross WEGES at or above 5;100 feet; cleared for the RNAV 13 approach; contact tower on 118.85'. I read back the clearance; changed the frequency; set 5;100 feet; and we started down. At that point; I was looking for the runway. As we continued the descent; I was pointing out the numerous lighted towers in the area. I noticed the towers looked like they were higher than what I would expect. The FO (First Officer) and I talked about that when I told him to climb. I temporarily took control of the airplane and used the TCS button to establish a climb.After initiating a climb; we were climbing through 5;500 feet when the tower advised the minimum altitude was 6;100 feet.After landing; I spoke to the Approach Controller working the flight. He said that he might have issued a descent clearance to 5;100 feet because he was working military traffic on another runway; and he was descending them to 5;100 feet. He also stated that he could have missed the read back.I should have double checked the minimum altitude on the approach plate when the clearance was given; and questioned the Controller; or refused a clearance that would take us below a minimum altitude; even in VMC.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
EMB-145 flight crew reported CFTT on approach to AMA.