182 Down at 4N1

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