Originally Posted by
CAEBr
Yes, it was normal practice for the ground crew to turn around while the canopy was shut just in case. In reality though, the bigger issue was closing the canopy on shutdown. It was not unknown for something to be left or trapped in the cockpit that then triggered the mechanism on closure. I remember one being blown on a delivery flight, in Bangkok I believe it was, when a damp flying jacket hung over the headbox was trapped by the mechanism and blew the canopy. Luckily, without staging, it largely went over his head or it could have been serious. Mind you it was still a sudden shock and getting a replacement delivered - as dangerous air cargo - was another story.
Something similar happened to a Red Arrow many years ago on arrival at a wet Leuchars (I think). Luckily SEngO and the crew stood nearby weren't hurt.