B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 169
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation - Altitude Overshoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Procedure
Cruising at FL400 to SMF we were issued a clearance to descend to FL360 then cleared to descend via the SUUTR 2 RNAV Arrival into SMF. Approaching FL360 we were told to continue to FL280 and given a frequency change. Descending through FL360 I reported our altitude descending to FL280 and cleared to descend via the SUUTR 2 as we had understood the previous Controller. Immediately ATC clarified to maintain 280 which we did; until receiving clearance shortly after leveling to descend via the SUUTR 2. Noting that we were cleared to maintain 280; I told the FO (First Officer) that TRLOC at or above 290 was not a player. He concurred and deleted the restriction from the FMC. On descent into SMF; NorCal proceeded to ask us to call regarding a possible Pilot Deviation.Only thing I can suggest is if ATC issues a clearance that seems to be missing something; ask. In hindsight it seemed odd that we would be given a new descend to altitude without being told to maintain or continue descend via. On check-in this was clarified immediately by ATC and I honestly don't know what else could have been done. There was no altitude deviation; separation problems or anything else. Merely communicating what we had understood our clearance to be and being corrected by ATC was (I think) an appropriate action. Obviously; in this increasingly complicated environment we work in clarification at the earliest point of question would be in order. If a clearance seems to be open ended or missing an element; inquire.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
B737 flight crew reported misunderstanding an ATC clearance on arrival into SMF.