Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 95.4; Flight Crew Total 4400; Flight Crew Type 800
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory
Human Factors
On the arrival we were busy on the TCAS as there were multiple targets in our general vicinity when were given 6;000 MSL. We were then given a descent to 5;000. Upon landing I was told to call the TRACON and was told I violated an altitude. After examination of the situation; we either answered a descend to 5;000 FT clearance intended for another airplane or replied to the clearance to descend to 6;000 FT and put 5;000 FT in the altitude window in error. In either situation there was a conflict with other traffic and I understand it is not acceptable. I will request a copy of the tape for my own personal use and possible training to other people in the future. To prevent this from happening in the future I will make sure to look at the altitude window and point to verify the altitude assigned and not just repeat without visual confirmation. I am personally and professionally embarrassed by this mistake.
...while we were descending to 6;000 FT we were cleared to 5;000 FT and when we were at 5;000 FT we got an RA on the TCAS and right after that we were assigned to turn left to a heading of 270 to avoid traffic.
A BE-40 flight crew experienced a TCAS RA when they descended to 5;000 when cleared to 6;000.