Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Retractable Gear
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 2
Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Airspace Structure
Aircraft X entered my airspace from sector 42; requesting the RNAV 18 approach at SYI starting at IBCUM intersection with the weather and NOTAMs. I pointed him out to BNA approach then I cleared; him to maintain 3000 ft until IBCUM cleared for the RNAV runway 18 approach to Shelbyville; report established inbound. About 3 minutes later I was offline coordinating with Hinch Mountain (T41) about another aircraft. I heard an aircraft calling me on the frequency loud speaker. I finished my coordination and asked who was calling center. At that time; the pilot advised me that he had a near miss and asked if I had any traffic for him. I advised him that I did not depict any traffic within 5 miles of his position. He responded by telling me that a glider had just passed within 20 ft of him. I responded with a Roger. I immediately advised the supervisor who came down and plugged into the sector with me. I continued to work the sector which was moderately busy and when I had the opportunity I asked the pilot if he had to take evasive action. He stated that he did not but if he had seen the glider sooner he would have. I asked if the glider passed off his right or left wing; he stated that it passed off his right wing and was white in color with a back antenna coming out of its canopy. Once the pilot reported established inbound he canceled IFR.This situation could have been prevented several ways:  Require all gliders to remain 500 ft below the local MIA. Require all gliders to be equipped with a transponder with Mode C capabilities. Only allow glider operations within designated areas that are not near airports or under instrument approach procedures. Have an alert area for glider operations or a NOTAM issued when necessary.
ZME Controller reported a NMAC with a glider and a GA pilot on approach to SYI.