diff --git a/artiq/frontend/artiq_flash.py b/artiq/frontend/artiq_flash.py
index 9e360ec87..c6aea8fb7 100755
--- a/artiq/frontend/artiq_flash.py
+++ b/artiq/frontend/artiq_flash.py
@@ -129,7 +129,6 @@ def main():
         ])
     finally:
         if conv:
-            os.close(bin_handle)
             os.unlink(bin)