diff --git a/backend/raster.c b/backend/raster.c
index 82ce3c41..1e8d650a 100644
--- a/backend/raster.c
+++ b/backend/raster.c
@@ -508,7 +508,6 @@ int plot_raster_maxicode(struct zint_symbol *symbol, int rotate_angle, int data_
 
     if (!(scaled_hexagon = (char *) malloc(hexagon_size * hexagon_size))) {
         strcpy(symbol->errtxt, "656: Insufficient memory for pixel buffer");
-        free(scaled_hexagon);
         free(pixelbuf);
         return ZINT_ERROR_ENCODING_PROBLEM;
     } else {