What happened
After completing takeoff, the pilot retracted the landing gear. During this process, a passenger observed that the gear appeared to retract slowly. The pilot subsequently cycled the landing gear several times and noted the smell of hydraulic fluid.
Due to these observations, the pilot decided to return to the airport to inspect the landing gear system. While on approach, the pilot attempted to lower the gear; however, only the main gears successfully extended. Despite making numerous attempts to deploy the nose gear, the pilot was unable to achieve extension. The aircraft ultimately landed on a grass area adjacent to the runway with the main gear extended and the nose gear in the retracted position. All occupants were not injured.
The investigation
An inspection of the landing gear assembly following the incident revealed that there was a lack of hydraulic fluid within the system. Additionally, investigators found damage to the hydraulic pump.