Medium Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction
Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airport; Environment - Non Weather Related
We received a terrain warning while descending into AVP on a visual approach to runway 22. Almost simultaneously we also got a low altitude alert from the control tower. We were in visual conditions at the time and descending over the ridge line north north-east of the final approach course. There is a small tower depicted on the approach plate at 2;125 feet. We turned to base just east of that tower and began our descent. I am not sure if it was the descent rate or actual terrain clearance that triggered the GPWS. After the GPWS warning I glanced at the radar altimeter and it was reading 1;050 feet. According to the approach plate; the top of the ridge line is a little above 2;000 feet. The First Officer (FO) accomplished the escape maneuver and the warning ceased after we climbed a few hundred feet. We were able to continue the approach and land uneventfully.I contacted tower after we landed to enquire at the low altitude alert they issued and they said they have a 3 mile radius area protected around the taller 2;744 foot tower that is a bit west of the tower we turned past. He said they knew we were clear of the tower but they are required to issue the warning when it goes off. We also had that tower visually on our downwind.I felt that we had adequate terrain and obstacle clearance throughout the approach. It was a clear night with good visibility. We were set up to intercept final between WEXIN and JULUT and the FO had 2;800 feet set in the altitude window at the time with the autopilot engaged. We had briefed the environment thoroughly en route discussing the towers and the need to stay at 4;000 feet until we were sure we were clear of them.
An air carrier Captain reported receiving a terrain warning received during a visual approach at night. The warning was triggered by the uniqueness of surrounding terrain; man-made structures; and the descent rate during approach. The crew executed mild evasive procedures and landed uneventfully.