Q400
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human-Machine Interface; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
After 'positive rate' and 'gear up' calls; I went to select the gear handle up. I didn't get the handle up completely and smoothly; the handle did go up with a pause. The red gear unsafe lights remained illuminated for approximately 15-20 seconds. The red main gear unsafe lights extinguished; however the red nose gear unsafe remained illuminated and the amber nose gear door light illuminated. The landing gear knob also remained illuminated. We accomplished the 'Red LEFT/NOSE/RIGHT Gear Light(s) Remains Illuminated and/or Gear Handle Light Illuminated' checklist. We leveled off at 15;000 FT; while also keeping airspeed under 185 KTS. The Captain conferred with Dispatch and Maintenance Control; and we made the decision to return. We accomplished the 'Alternate Gear Extension Checklist;' while also taking vectors in order to burn fuel to prevent an overweight landing. We landed uneventfully. The Captain was able to taxi off the runway; and we were towed to the gate.  At the gate Maintenance Personnel discovered damage to the nose gear doors. Failure to grab good hold of Landing Gear Control Lever.
Q400 First Officer reports an unsafe nose gear indication after not getting the gear lever completely up on the first try. The alternate gear extension procedure is used to lower the gear and an uneventful landing ensues at the departure airport.