Narrative:

The [flight] crew informed the approach controller that the runway was in sight. After we were cleared for a visual approach; we set up for a visual intercept to runway 2R at approximately the final approach fix. As approach control sent the crew to the tower frequency; he informed us he had an altitude alert. The crew informed the controller that they had all visual references in sight for the runway in use. The pilot flying descended to the altitude (2;500) for the final visual intercept and landed without incident.when cleared for a visual approach; the crew acknowledges to the controlling agency that all visual references are available and will be observed. If conditions are not sufficient for a visual approach; then the clearance for the visual should not be issued or accepted. Once it is determined that the conditions are such; then it is up to the crew to ensure that safety is complied with.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A B737-700 Flight Crew received a 'Low Altitude' alert from Approach Control after being cleared for a visual approach.

Narrative: The [flight] crew informed the Approach Controller that the runway was in sight. After we were cleared for a visual approach; we set up for a visual intercept to Runway 2R at approximately the final approach fix. As Approach Control sent the crew to the Tower frequency; he informed us he had an altitude alert. The crew informed the Controller that they had all visual references in sight for the runway in use. The pilot flying descended to the altitude (2;500) for the final visual intercept and landed without incident.When cleared for a visual approach; the crew acknowledges to the Controlling Agency that all visual references are available and will be observed. If conditions are not sufficient for a visual approach; then the clearance for the visual should not be issued or accepted. Once it is determined that the conditions are such; then it is up to the crew to ensure that safety is complied with.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.