Medium Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory
Procedure; Human Factors
On a right downwind to Runway 5L we were given the clearance for the visual approach. As we proceeded on the downwind leg ATC inquired if we were going to turn base leg and upon the inquiry we started to turn in for the base leg. We then received an Obstacle Warning Alert from the GPWS (large tower) and a low level alert from ATC. We promptly arrested the descent and climbed in accordance with the GPWS guidance. Once clear of the obstacle we continued the approach without further incident. This could have been prevented with a better brief of the highest obstacle on the approach chart; better outside scanning and better situational awareness on the visual approach.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
On the right downwind segment of a visual approach to RDU Runway 5L; crew commenced base-leg turn in response to an ATC inquiry. In the turn the crew received a GPWS obstacle warning and a low-altitude alert from ATC simultaneously. Crew followed the EGPWS guidance and returned to a normal approach and landing.