diff --git a/lib/ssh-libssh.c b/lib/ssh-libssh.c
index 1c00879bad..cecf477ac3 100644
--- a/lib/ssh-libssh.c
+++ b/lib/ssh-libssh.c
@@ -429,7 +429,7 @@ cleanup:
 }
 
 #define MOVE_TO_ERROR_STATE(_r) { \
-  state(conn, SSH_SESSION_FREE); \
+  state(conn, SSH_SESSION_DISCONNECT); \
   sshc->actualcode = _r; \
   rc = SSH_ERROR; \
   break; \