A320 flight crew reported nose gear did not retract on take off due to the nose gear pin being left in.
Synopsis
A320 flight crew reported nose gear did not retract on take off due to the nose gear pin being left in.
Narrative
I completed the preflight walk around prior to departure and did not observe the nose gear pin flag hanging below the nose gear doors. On takeoff; when the Captain called for gear up; I moved the gear lever to the up position and observed that the nose gear was showing in transit. A Caution ECAM then alerted us to the L/G Nosegear Not Unlocked. We attempted to cycle the gear and got the same response. We then left the gear down and requested priority handling. We received vectors around while the Captain worked through his steps; while I flew. We landed underweight and safely back in ZZZ. Once at the gate; the mechanics found that the nose gear pin was left in from an earlier tire and brake change and the flag was only about 8 inches long and was not visible below the gear doors. Cause: Longer and Brighter Gear Pin Flag and maintenance verification of all pin removals.
Second reporter narrative
Shortly after selecting the gear up we were presented with the red indication on the nose gear light and the ECAM nose gear not uplocked. We then lowered the landing gear successfully. We stayed at 200 kts requested priority handling leveled off at 5000 feet. Ensured the priority handling was received and started preparing for returning to ZZZ. I assigned the FO (first Officer) pilot flying duties. I contacted Dispatch; Maintenance Control; and updated the flight attendants. I made a brief PA. We ran the non routine landing checklist and over weight landing checklist. After we finished the set up and review and the approach briefing we ran the descent checklist requested vectors for the ILS Runway XXR and returned to a successful landing that was also under max landing weight.Cause: The post flight inspection revealed the nose gear pin was in place. The flag on the pin was approximately 8 inches in length and did not hang down past the gear doors. The Mechanic and I agreed a full length flag would have prevented this from occurring. He then placed a full length flag on the pin.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.