MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Airspace Structure; Human Factors
On descent into SJC; controller descended us to 5;100 feet in vicinity of JESEN on the JAWWS 3 approach. After being level for about a minute got a radio altimeter announcement indicating 2;500 feet. Crew focused on Terrain display when aural GPWS TERRAIN indicated along with PULL UP. PF complied with REDBOX and executed climb. After a few seconds and about 150 feet of climb caution disappeared. PF leveled at about 5;400 feet while PNF called ATC of alt deviation and notified ATC of TERRAIN caution. IFR at time of event; broke out VFR with all clear visually and on Terrain display. PNF asked ATC if we should descend to assigned 5;100 feet at which he responded to descend to 5;000 feet. PF complied with descent instructions and remaining of approach/landing was uneventful. ATC indicated that this has happened before; but did not seem concerned given the MVA altitude of 5;100 feet for given location. ATC several times stated the altitude of 5;100 feet was correct. Suggestions: Raise MVA in suspect area to avoid future TERRAIN warnings. Verify current MVA is 'compatible' with our GPWS system overlays.
[Report narrative contained no additional information].
MD-80 flight crew reported getting a GPWS 'Terrain' warning in the vicinity of JESEN on the JAWWS3 arrival to SJC. Crew reported that ATC stated MVA in the area is 5;100 FT.