Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Aircraft; Human Factors
8 miles from ZIMBI final fix (flying direct); at 4000 feet; we were cleared for the visual approach 28. Once cleared for the visual; I requested 2000 feet to be set and then I selected a descent rate of 1200 fpm. The final fix at ZIMBI had a published altitude of 1600. With the glare from the sun and wearing sunglasses; I did not notice the descent rate was 1900 fpm. We noticed the descent rate and I canceled auto pilot and smoothly transitioned to 1200 fpm. ATC contacted us with a low altitude alert saying there is a MVA of 3000. We leveled off at 2300. Note; MVA is a vectoring altitude and we were direct and cleared for the visual. At all times the aircraft remained in clear VFR conditions and proper altitude clearances were maintained. The altitude rate display was dim even at 100%. In direct sunlight while wearing sunglasses; it is difficult to read.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Air Carrier turboprop flight crew reported receiving a low altitude alert from ATC during a visual approach to SYR Runway 28 in day VMC. The crew climbed back to 2300 feet before continuing their descent to landing.