diff --git a/esptool/loader.py b/esptool/loader.py
index 9b5dfe05f..fabb5d82d 100644
--- a/esptool/loader.py
+++ b/esptool/loader.py
@@ -737,7 +737,7 @@ def connect(
                     " if ESP32-C2 doesn't connect"
                     " (at least 115200 Bd is recommended)."
                 )
-
+            self._port.close()
             raise FatalError(
                 "Failed to connect to {}: {}"
                 f"{additional_msg}"