diff --git a/utils/mqnic-fw.c b/utils/mqnic-fw.c
index 9e4c258ed..4442aafba 100644
--- a/utils/mqnic-fw.c
+++ b/utils/mqnic-fw.c
@@ -1168,6 +1168,9 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
         free(segment);
     }
 
+    if (ret)
+        goto err;
+
     flash_release(pri_flash);
     pri_flash = NULL;
     flash_release(sec_flash);