PA42 pilot reports failure of the nose gear to retract fully after takeoff. All attempts to fully extend the gear are unsuccessful and a partial nose gear down landing ensues.

Narrative

After take-off and gear retraction; the GEAR NOT LOCKED light was illuminated. The nose gear was confirmed to be in an intermediate position by observing the nose gear in the mirrors located on the engine nacelles. The gear handle was recycled up and the gear position was the same. The gear handle was then placed down; the main gear lights indicated down with green lights; but the nose gear green light was not lit and the position was once again noted intermediate in the mirrors. The HYDRAULIC GEAR EXTENSION checklist was performed without successfully extending the nose gear. Then the PNEUMATIC GEAR EXTENSION checklist was performed with the same result. It was noted that the EMERGENCY GEAR EXTENSION circuit breaker was tripped. It was reset once and another attempt at the PNEUMATIC GEAR EXTENSION checklist was made and the breaker tripped again. The decision was made to return to the departure airport for an emergency landing with the main gear locked down and the nose gear not down. Excess fuel was burned off for about 2 hours; an emergency was declared; and emergency equipment was requested from ATC. Emergency checklists; normal approach and landing checklists were performed and reviewed. After making a normal approach and checklists completed; the plane touched down on the runway; and during the rollout; the nose eventually touched down and skidded on the runway until the aircraft came to a stop. (Prior to touchdown; all electrical and fuel was shut off & props feathered per the checklist.) Both the pilot and passenger evacuated the airplane safely with no injuries. The passenger on this flight is also the aircraft owner and a pilot. His assistance and skills were used during the flight. So far; maintenance has found a hole in the hydraulic line to the nose gear. Further inspections will be made after the insurance company arrives next week.