Sequence of Events
Following takeoff, the pilot retracted the landing gear. A passenger observed that the gear appeared to come up slowly. The pilot then recycled the landing gear multiple times and reported detecting the smell of hydraulic fluid. In response, the pilot decided to return to the airport to inspect the landing gear.
During the approach, the pilot lowered the landing gear, but only the main landing gear extended. The pilot made numerous attempts to lower the nose gear, but was unable to do so. The aircraft subsequently landed on a grass area adjacent to the runway. The landing was performed with the nose gear retracted and the main gear extended.
Inspection Findings
An inspection of the landing gear system revealed a lack of hydraulic fluid in the system and damage to the hydraulic pump.