The airplane was substantially damaged when it veered off the runway while landing. The private pilot was not injured and the commercial pilot-rated passenger received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was filed.
The pilot reported lowering the landing gear during the approach and confirming they were extended by observing the landing gear position indicator lights. Immediately after touchdown, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder but the airplane departed the runway, struck several trees and subsequently was engulfed in a post-crash fire.
