Narrative:

After takeoff the landing gear could not be retracted. ECAM message left/G shock absorber fault appeared. Autopilot 2 was then engaged but disconnected and locked out; followed by a disconnect and lock-out of the auto thrust system. Auto pilot 1 could not be engaged. The jet then had to be hand flown. I [pilot not flying] contacted departure control and advised them that we would need vectors [unable to fly the RNAV departure due to system degradation] and informed ATC that we would level at 4;000 ft and maintain 210K. [I] also advised ATC that we would possibly need to return to the field after we had a chance to evaluate the situation.I instructed the jump seat rider to help the pilot flying monitor the hand flying operation; as doing so on takeoff climb out utilizing manual thrust was an exceptional event which is not trained. He also donned a headset in order to monitor the radio. Once level; I began to assess the situation. ECAM actions and follow-up checklists and actions were completed. Landing distance required was checked. I contacted dispatch and maintenance control and upon explaining the situation; was asked to return to our departure airport. I advised the flight attendants of a pending return to field and that the landing would be normal and made sure they all understood that they did not have to prep the cabin. Lastly I made a PA to advise the passengers that we had an issue and that we would be returning. I then advised ATC that we were ready to return to the field and declared an emergency to provide ourselves all possible assistance.I assumed control as pilot flying approximately 15 miles from the field and conducted a normal approach and landing. After landing; advised ATC that no further assistance would be required; turned off the runway and taxied normally to the gate. Upon reaching gate; [we] received the following ECAM message: left/G system disagree. As soon as that message appeared on ECAM; I called into operations to immediately have the gear pinned and ensure that no one approached the aircraft until that task was accomplished.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An A319 flight crew was unable to raise the landing gear after takeoff due to a landing gear fault; followed by the loss of both autopilots and the autothrust system. After following all ECAM and QRH procedures the flight returned to the departure airport.

Narrative: After takeoff the landing gear could not be retracted. ECAM message L/G SHOCK ABSORBER FAULT appeared. Autopilot 2 was then engaged but disconnected and locked out; followed by a disconnect and lock-out of the auto thrust system. Auto pilot 1 could not be engaged. The jet then had to be hand flown. I [pilot not flying] contacted Departure Control and advised them that we would need vectors [unable to fly the RNAV departure due to system degradation] and informed ATC that we would level at 4;000 FT and maintain 210K. [I] also advised ATC that we would possibly need to return to the field after we had a chance to evaluate the situation.I instructed the jump seat rider to help the pilot flying monitor the hand flying operation; as doing so on takeoff climb out utilizing manual thrust was an exceptional event which is not trained. He also donned a headset in order to monitor the radio. Once level; I began to assess the situation. ECAM Actions and follow-up checklists and actions were completed. Landing distance required was checked. I contacted Dispatch and Maintenance Control and upon explaining the situation; was asked to return to our departure airport. I advised the flight attendants of a pending return to field and that the landing would be NORMAL and made sure they all understood that they did NOT have to prep the cabin. Lastly I made a PA to advise the passengers that we had an issue and that we would be returning. I then advised ATC that we were ready to return to the field and declared an emergency to provide ourselves all possible assistance.I assumed control as pilot flying approximately 15 miles from the field and conducted a normal approach and landing. After landing; advised ATC that no further assistance would be required; turned off the runway and taxied normally to the gate. Upon reaching gate; [we] received the following ECAM message: L/G SYS DISAGREE. As soon as that message appeared on ECAM; I called into Operations to immediately have the gear pinned and ensure that no one approached the aircraft until that task was accomplished.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.