I saw a canopy approaching at 50 mph, and instinctively, I got into the tiniest tuck position I've ever done. I heard someone telling me to cutaway first. I did and then deployed my reserve. I saw the other jumper cutaway and deployed his reserve too. Canopy collisions are occurring all too often at most DZs across the world.
Jumpers open too close to each other for a variety of reasons.
These reasons include poor tracking, groups from different aircraft exiting too close to each other or carelessness. Diligent tracking and clear waveoffs can reduce the likelihood of canopy collisions. Over the years, many jumpers have suggested action plans for various emergency situations, such as a canopy collision. This action plan has been taught worldwide for a very long time. This canopy collision procedure for sport parachutists came from the military.