diff --git a/src/binding/python/openpmd_api/pipe/__main__.py b/src/binding/python/openpmd_api/pipe/__main__.py
index 82e784449b..7bd5305c56 100644
--- a/src/binding/python/openpmd_api/pipe/__main__.py
+++ b/src/binding/python/openpmd_api/pipe/__main__.py
@@ -278,6 +278,7 @@ def __copy(self, src, dest, current_path="/data/"):
                         deferred.dynamicView.current_buffer(), deferred.offset,
                         deferred.extent)
                 in_iteration.close()
+                out_iteration.close()
                 self.loads.clear()
                 sys.stdout.flush()
         elif isinstance(src, io.Record_Component) and (not is_container