A BE-58 pilot performed a manual gear extension procedure and returned to the departure airport following a faulty landing gear position check after gear retraction on takeoff.

Narrative

After [my] takeoff; when the gear selector was placed in the up position the red light indicating that the mechanical gear box has reached full upward travel failed to light. The landing gear motor circuit breaker was found to be tripped. I notified Tower of the situation and of my intention to return to the airport. After 3 minutes; I reset the landing gear motor circuit breaker and selected gear down. The landing gear motor circuit breaker tripped again. I entered the pattern for the airport and began the emergency checklist. I was unable to move the manual gear extension hand crank and elected to continue in the pattern. On the 3rd attempt; I was able to break free the hand crank and it began turning with very little force. The green light indicating that the gear box had reached its full downward travel illuminated. Due to the odd feel of the hand crank and the limitations of the two light system I performed a low approach and had Tower verify visually that the gear was extended. A normal landing was accomplished and the company notified.