What was found
FLT 5026 SMX-LAX, PILOT REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF THE NOSE LANDING GEAR WOULD NOT RETRACT. MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL DETERMINED THAT THE NLG WAS NOT EXTENDING FULLY AND FAILED TO COMPLETE A CIRCUIT WITH THE SQUAT SWITCH. THE NOSE LANDING GEAR STRUT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. OPERATIONAL CHECKS WERE PERFORMED WITH SATISFACTORY RESULTS, AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS RELEASED BACK TO SERVICE.