Light Transport
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 650; Flight Crew Type 150
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors
My Captain and I were in the descent phase of our flight initially level at 4;000 feet MSL while on frequency with DFW TRACON.My Captain and I both heard the Controller give us a descent clearance to 2;400 feet MSL; we both accepted the clearance and my Captain read back/acknowledged the clearance to ATC.The clearance to descend to 2;400 feet did not seem unusual or out of place as we were approximately 20 NM from the RBD airport; upon leveling our aircraft at 2;400 feet my Captain and I were discussing visually seeing radio towers at our 11o'clock and approximately 10 SM in ahead and to the left of our flight path and we were expecting to be vectored around the obstacles.A few seconds after we had discussed the mentioned radio towers DFW TRACON challenged our altitude of 2;400 feet insisting we were supposed to be at 4;000 feet MSL upon hearing that radio call; and confirming with ATC we expeditiously initiated a climb back to 4;000 feet.At no point in the flight did I feel like we were in danger or in an un-safe proximity to the obstacle radio towers or in the vicinity any other aircraft as we were in VMC conditions; with good visibility.In my perspective; the Controller seemed to be over worked at the time of the occurrence and did not verify with my Captain after his read back to descend to 2;400 feet; indicating we had read back a correct clearance.After completing our flight; getting ready to taxi into parking on the ground at RBD; we were informed there was a similar sounding aircraft call sign on frequency and that the descent clearance to 2;400 feet was for the similar sounding call sign and not for us.We were also informed that we were 'stepped on' during our radio transmission; unknown to us during our read back to DFW TRACON to descend to 2;400 feet. It seems to me DFW TRACON should have confirmed who was supposed to descend to 2;400 feet when they did not receive a clear read back.
While descending for landing at the Dallas executive airport; we were given a delayed descent with a crossing restriction which required an expedited descent. We hustled down and made the assigned crossing altitude restriction.  Shortly following that; we were assigned a new frequency and cleared to descend to 4;000 feet.  We initiated a normal descent and almost at the same time we were leveling; we were cleared to descend to 2;400.I acknowledged the clearance to descend on the radio and we initiated a normal descent to 2;400 feet.  As we were descending; I pointed out the radio towers at our 11 O'clock position to my co-pilot.  My thoughts were that the controller would give us a slight vector to the right; otherwise I would request a turn.Very shortly after that; the Controller challenged our altitude.  I replied that we were cleared to descent and that I had acknowledged the descent. The Controller stated that they needed us back at 4;000.  We immediately complied.The Controller appeared to be very busy.  I tried to keep all communication correct and prompt.  In speaking with the ATC person he stated that there was another aircraft with the same registration ending - same letter and that the Controller referred to that aircraft with an abbreviated call sign.In my opinion; if the Controller does not get a clear read back from an aircraft; especially if there are similar call signs on frequency -- then the Controller should state 'That clearance was for N--- only' I have heard that many times.'Contributing to this was the fact that there were several aircraft that the Controller was working and may have been challenged doing so.I never felt in danger at any time as we saw the radio towers and am not aware of any conflict with any other aircraft in our proximity.
Corporate flight crew reported a similar call sign communication issue with TRACON resulted in an altitude deviation and CFTT event during approach to RBD airport.