Flight Crew reported landing gear would not retract after take off and elected to perform an air tun back and precautionary landing at departure airport.
Synopsis
Flight Crew reported landing gear would not retract after take off and elected to perform an air tun back and precautionary landing at departure airport.
Narrative
After taking off from ZZZ-ZZZ1; we were not able to retract the landing [gear]. At around 35 feet with positive rate after calling for gear up; I tried to put the landing gear lever in the up position and was unsuccessful. We notified ATC and told them what had happened and that we wanted to level off at 3;000 feet and get some vectors so we can complete our required checklist. We ran the QRH and decided to return to ZZZ because there was no (LG WOW SYS FAIL MESSAGE DISPLAYED) so the QRH directed us to land at the nearest suitable airport. We completed the QRH and notified Dispatch of our intentions. We also briefed the flight attendants and passengers about the current situation. We never [requested priority handling] or gave any brace commands because the QRH never called for it and furthermore everything was under control and completely safe. While returning back to ZZZ; I suggested that we held for a few minutes to burn off some fuel and avoid an overweight landing. Once we were below max landing weight; we decided to contact ATC for the ILS XX. We landed without any further incident. On the ground we informed Dispatch and Maintenance Control of what occurred and Maintenance responded that they already knew because their system indicated there was something wrong with the nose wheel sensor. We briefed the Gate Agent and passengers and told them that there will be a replacement aircraft landing soon. After we swapped aircraft we departed without any further incident.
Second reporter narrative
After taking off on Aircraft X from ZZZ to ZZZ1; our landing gear lever could not be moved into the up position after a positive rate had been established. We requested vectors on runway heading and to level off at 3;000 feet MSL from ATC to troubleshoot; which was granted. Once level; we proceeded with the GEAR LEVER CANNOT BE MOVED UP QRH. The LG WOW SYS FAIL EICAS message was not displayed; so the QRH directed us to land at the nearest suitable airport. Having just departed from ZZZ; we determined ZZZ was the nearest suitable and advised ATC of our intention to return to ZZZ. The QRH did not direct [a request for priority handling]; and we did not [request it]. As part of our preparations to return to the field; we requested delay vectors and holding at the IAF for the ILS XX into ZZZ to burn fuel so that we could land under maximum landing weight; as we had time. ATC approved this request. We contacted the flight attendants and advised them of the situation; including that we would be returning to ZZZ; no brace command would be given; no emergency vehicles would be activated; and we would taxi off the runway normally. Passengers were subsequently advised that we were returning to the field due to a maintenance irregularity. Their continued safety was emphasized.Once below maximum landing weight; we advised ATC we could proceed on the approach and were subsequently cleared for the approach and cleared to land on Runway XX. The landing was normal. We exited the runway and taxied to the terminal ramp to wait for a gate to clear for us to park. After arriving at the gate; maintenance was notified of the discrepancy. Additionally; after arriving at the gate; a representative from Airport Crash and Fire Rescue came to the flight deck to gather basic information from the crew. After the flight; we consulted with the cabin crew who reported that passengers were in good spirits and understanding of the need to return to the airport. They reported no difficulties in preparing the cabin for landing. No brace command was given nor required.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.