Date: 201807
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: A320
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Takeoff / Launch
Airspace: Class B ZZZ
ATC / advisory: TRACON ZZZ
Aircraft component: Hydraulic Main System
Component problem: Failed; Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Human factors: Troubleshooting; Time Pressure
Second reporter function: Pilot Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Detector: Person Flight Attendant; Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: After takeoff; we raised the landing gear and received an ECAM warning for HYD G ENG 1 PUMP LO PR (loss of G system hydraulic pressure).We were handed off from tower to departure control and as Captain; I [advised ATC] with departure control and requested delaying vectors to remain in the area while we accomplished emergency checklist procedures. We advised departure that we would be returning. As a safety precaution; we requested Fire and Rescue to be standing by for the landing.Two flight attendants called the flight deck to report unusual noises and a smell. I told them I was aware of the problem and that we would be returning to [our departure airport]. I also advised them we were addressing the issue and that I would get back with them in a few minutes.We completed all ECAM actions and QRH follow-up procedures. We sent an ACARS divert message to dispatch advising of our return.I briefed the Flight Attendants of the problem. I told them that we would be returning to [our departure airport] and to prepare the cabin for a normal landing. I told them I would also do a PA to the passengers. I briefed the passengers and told them we would be returning to [our departure airport] and making a normal landing; not to worry and to follow the instructions of our flight attendants.We advised the controllers that we might not be able to clear the runway due to a loss of nose-wheel steering. I called Operations to advise them of our situation and the fact that we would require being tugged to a gate once we landed due to a loss of the nose-wheel steering.We flew an uneventful approach and accomplished a normal landing. We were able to exit the runway at the high speed taxi-way exit.Fire and Rescue examined the aircraft and reported leaking hydraulic fluid; the right main gear door being extended and no other apparent damage to the aircraft. Operations personnel reported to the aircraft; pinned the landing gear and then tugged the aircraft to the gate.Upon arrival to the gate; I entered an aircraft maintenance logbook write-up for an overweight landing and for the loss of the G Hydraulic System. I spoke briefly with Maintenance personnel to answer any questions they might have. I also contacted Dispatch to insure they were aware of the situation.


Second narrative: After takeoff the first indication of the problem was a nose gear slow to retract. After which a series of ECAMs displayed. It was evident pretty quickly that we had lost most; if not all; of our green system hydraulic fluid. [We advised ATC] and ECAM/QRH procedures were followed. Also at this time; the flight attendants informed us of a strong odor/fumes in the cabin. During the process of completing the checklists the Yellow hydraulic system began show an overheat condition. This led us to redirect our priorities more toward a quicker return to [our departure airport]. We landed overweight without nose wheel steering. [Fire and Rescue] inspected the airplane and found a significant amount of hydraulic fluid leaking; but. No other concerns. We were towed to the gate.


Synopsis: A320 flight crew reported that the nose gear was slow to retract and a series of ECAM messages appeared indicating most of the green hydraulic system was lost.