Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 204; Flight Crew Type 8800
Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory
Company Policy; Airport; Human Factors
Coming in for a visual approach and landing at Tucson to end our duty day. It was night; VFR. Our clearance was to proceed direct to CALLS and descend to 6;000 FT. As we descended; we got and maintained visual contact with Runway 11L. I checked the minimum altitude for CALLS; which was 5;000 FT and confirmed that altitude with the First Officer. While I knew the high terrain was just to the west of centerline; I did not verify the altitude of the terrain; which was 4;600 FT. As we approached the terrain; I continued to crosscheck the terrain display on my instruments. The First Officer backed it up as well.Soon after we passed through 6;000; we got a 'Caution Terrain' warning. As I was reaching to take control of the aircraft; the caution changed to a GPWS 'Pull Up Terrain' command. The First Officer stated we have to perform a terrain avoidance maneuver as I was switching off the automation. I added power and was approaching a 20 degree deck angle when we passed through 5;700 FT and the Terrain Warning terminated. I leveled the plane; captured ILS glide path prior to CALLS; and completed the approach and landing. At no time did we lose sight of the runway.I should have taken the time to review the elevation of that terrain before the approach. Definitely don't descend below 6;000 FT until past that hill.
On a visual approach to 11L in TUS; we received a 'Caution Terrain' followed by 'Pull Up Terrain' Warning at 5;500 FT MSL approximately 17 NM from the airport while following another aircraft.Next time approaching 11L from the northwest; I will tune the ILS at a point outside of CALLS to provide terrain clearance around CALLS.
On a night visual approach to Runway 11L at TUS the flight crew of a B737-700 received Caution Terrain and 'Pull Up Terrain' EGPWS warnings roughly 17 NM from the airport.  They complied with the terrain avoidance maneuver; tuned the ILS and intercepted the GS from below; then continued to landing.