Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Aircraft; Procedure
On descent into CRW in clear VFR conditions; we were given a 055 heading and told to descend to 3;000 FT. This had us on an extended right downwind between 10 and 15 miles from the airport. We called the field in sight; had just been cleared for the visual approach and were descending through approximately 3;500 FT when our radar altimeters showed our altitude fluctuating between 1;000 FT and 1;300 FT [AGL] with an accompanying terrain warning. We responded to the EGPWS; starting a climb and the warning stopped. We notified ATC; leveled off and resumed the approach to a normal landing.
Looking over charts the terrain appeared to be at least 2;000 FT below and altimeters were [set] correctly. Captain called for maintenance inspection before flying again.Although terrain appeared well below visually and according to charts; possible terrain proximity issue; upslope trigger...In the future question lower altitudes assigned around terrain sensitive airports; especially if further out. Again; may have been a false warning anyway; but glad it was day VMC.
CRJ-200 Captain and jumpseating check pilot reported receiving a terrain warning from the EGPWS on a visual approach to CRW.