Bob Lee Ross (Rosspilot) was apparently
in the pattern at the time. Someone was quoted as saying that the
pilot
reported "engine problems" on the CTAF.

If he did, I didn't hear it.

I was on the right downwind . . . about 2/3 of the way. I heard him
self-announce his takeoff, but I didn't watch the roll because there
was a Citabria in the pattern ahead of me on base, and I was doing
pre-landing checks and watching it.

The lady pilot in the Citabria announced on her final that a plane had
gone down off the departure end of 6. I looked and saw nothing unusual
(except no C-182 climbing out) so I queried her to "say again". She
did, and then said she was going to land, taxi to the end of the
runway, and call 911.
I decided to break off my approach and fly over to the area and
confirm. I could see nothing at first . . . all white w/ snow . . .
then suddenly it burst into flame and thick black smoke and there it
was.
I called NY Approach immediately and reported the plane down and the
location. Then I photographed the scene (as any professional
photographer worth a damn would do) and landed.

The airport was closed, and the crash scene was adjacent to the only
access road in or out. It was wrapped in yellow tape. I (and anyone
else inside) could not leave. After an hour or so, they opened a
single lane and I left.
Since then, my phone has not stopped ringing.
I have provided imagery to the FAA and the NTSB, as well as the many
newspaper publishers who have called me.

The airport has been my home field for 3 years. Yes, the wind can be
difficult, but you get used to
it. The runway is long, well-lit, with beautiful VASIs at both ends.
It has been a difficult couple of days.

www.Rosspilot.com