Accident Details
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
NTSB Number
ERA26LA138
Location
Little Switzerland, NC
Event ID
20260305202606
Coordinates
35.853283, -82.113383
Nearest Airport
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1
Probable Cause and Findings
A loss of thermal lift during a glider flight, which resulted in a collision with trees during a landing approach to a diversionary airport.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Name
PHELPS THOMAS L
Address
5704 BRAMBLEWOOD DR
City
RALEIGH
State / Zip Code
NC 27612-2290
Country
United States
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA26LA138