SA-227 AC Metro III
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Landing gear handle jammed and would not move to the up position. I became aware that the gear handle wouldn't move to the up position immediately after the gear handle wouldn't move into the up position. [Caused by] gremlins or a broken wire; but not sure. Upon leveling at 5;000  ft I checked circuit breakers and attempted to move the gear handle to the up position with out trying to force.  I thought to myself; 'I'd rather have the gear stuck down than up; especially with Maintenance right below me.' This was completely unforeseen.
Captain reported an Air Turnback after the landing gear selector lever became jammed and the landing gear would not retract after take off.