Narrative:

Arriving into ZZZ. We we're given a set of instructions that I can't recall the numbers of. I was captain; and non flying pilot in the right seat. ATC assigned a heading; altitude; and speed. I replied and I remember pointing to the selected altitude to verify. I was momentarily concentrating on a approach chart and map screens and when I looked up and saw our heading and descent were pointing us at terrain. At the same time the flying pilot said it didn't look right. As I reached to hit the mike to verify; ATC issued us a right turn and climb back to 8000 and a speed. Startled; the fp (flying pilot) followed the new instructions and got fast in the process. ATC called again about the speed and it was corrected. I had told the fp to slow too. He was slowing when ATC called. I assume the fp got the heading and speed assignment mixed up and I didn't catch the error but I am not sure. Perhaps we got incorrect ATC instruction?fatigue may have been a factor. We worked late a couple nights before; and we stayed two nights in a loud hotel with uncomfortable beds. Once on the ground; and reflecting on this confusion with ATC; I called work and used our no-fault fatigue policy to stop flying for the day and get rested. Eventually; my copilot did the same. In hindsight; there were many things I could have done differently. We both should have been quicker to realize something wasn't right with our new course. I could have took the controls instead of calling out the corrections to be made. Though that did work and we got back on speed; heading; altitude. With complex instructions; I'll be more vigilant in verifying everything is correct going forward.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: EMB-505 flight crew reported confusion with ATC instructions.

Narrative: Arriving into ZZZ. We we're given a set of instructions that I can't recall the numbers of. I was Captain; and Non Flying Pilot in the right seat. ATC assigned a heading; altitude; and speed. I replied and I remember pointing to the selected altitude to verify. I was momentarily concentrating on a approach chart and map screens and when I looked up and saw our heading and descent were pointing us at terrain. At the same time the flying pilot said it didn't look right. As I reached to hit the mike to verify; ATC issued us a right turn and climb back to 8000 and a speed. Startled; the FP (Flying Pilot) followed the new instructions and got fast in the process. ATC called again about the speed and it was corrected. I had told the FP to slow too. He was slowing when ATC called. I assume the FP got the heading and speed assignment mixed up and I didn't catch the error but I am not sure. Perhaps we got incorrect ATC instruction?Fatigue may have been a factor. We worked late a couple nights before; and we stayed two nights in a loud hotel with uncomfortable beds. Once on the ground; and reflecting on this confusion with ATC; I called work and used our no-fault fatigue policy to stop flying for the day and get rested. Eventually; my copilot did the same. In hindsight; there were many things I could have done differently. We both should have been quicker to realize something wasn't right with our new course. I could have took the controls instead of calling out the corrections to be made. Though that did work and we got back on speed; heading; altitude. With complex instructions; I'll be more vigilant in verifying everything is correct going forward.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site 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.