Maxair Drifter, 25-0182, Deeral QLD, 4 May 1989

The pilot was conducting a trial instructional flight when the aircraft experienced an engine failure approximately 50 feet above ground, and three quarters of the way along the runway. The pilot was able to clear a large ditch at the end of the runway, and landed the aircraft in a cane crop. Inspection of the engine revealed that the engine failure was caused by the failure of a gudgeon bearing housing. The neoprene housing had jammed and broken up allowing needle rollers to escape into the crankcase and cylinder. The Bureau has been advised that the engine manufacturer is to replace the gudgeon bearing in the engine type with an improved version.