PZL Mielec M-20 Mewa

PZL Mielec · Poland · first flew 1979 · light aircraft

The PZL Mielec M-20 Mewa was a Polish single-engine light utility aircraft derived from the Piper PA-34 Seneca airframe, adapted to take a single piston engine. It was developed to provide a locally manufactured trainer and liaison aircraft for Polish operators.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.72 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Polish high-wing light utility monoplane based on the Piper Seneca
Single-engine version of a twin-engine design with Polish modifications
Used for pilot training and liaison in Poland

High-wing monoplane with Piper Seneca-derived fuselage lines, a single nose-mounted engine replacing the Seneca's twin-engine arrangement, and fixed or retractable undercarriage depending on modification standard.

Specifications

The PZL Mielec M-20 Mewa has a length of 8.72 m (29 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.86 m (39 ft).
Its maximum speed is 275 km/h (171 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1979, the M-20 was produced in small numbers for the Polish market. The adaptation from a twin-engine design required significant structural modifications, particularly to the nose section to accommodate the single powerplant.

Variants

The M-20 was the primary production version; it is unrelated to the earlier and more famous LWS-3 Mewa fighter.

Where you'll see it

Operated by Polish flying clubs, training organisations, and agricultural operators; limited to domestic Polish use.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.